Similar to the six characters searching for their author in Pirandello’s play, thousands of residents from Tenerife flocked to the Santa Cruz Exhibition Centre this Wednesday, but in this instance, they were in pursuit of the plum. This served as the perfect backdrop to merge pre-Christmas demand with a specific market supply: that of the 120 businesses taking part in the XXVII edition of Exposaldo. An estimated 10,000 locals – exceeding last year’s numbers at the inauguration – were expected to visit on the first of the five event days, which will continue until Sunday, opening from eleven in the morning until nine at night. The total attendance could surpass 40,000 in 2023.
At 11:00 a.m., the queue wound around the entrance of the Tenerife International Fair and Congress Centre, its grand official title, with numerous individuals spilling onto the stairs. During the initial moments, there were instances reminiscent of bustling department store sales. The eagerness to discover the anticipated bargains was palpable across the 12,000 square metres (equivalent to two football pitches).
As the president and vice president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila and Lope Afonso, along with the Minister of Industry, Manuel Fernández, inaugurated Exposaldo, the visitors began to explore… and to make purchases since this time, the majority did not simply limit themselves to window shopping. Mattresses – a true draw – cars, or chairs were all included in the offerings. Nearly everything was available, with the vast majority produced in Tenerife.
The forecast aims to surpass the 40,000 attendees from the previous year.
Gregorio Negrín, a resident of the capital, was delighted with his “almost magical” glasses cleaner. He had only just arrived and was still surveying the grounds, yet had already made a purchase.
Elena Jerez and her mother, Luisa Rijo, also from Santa Cruz, were already laden with shopping bags as they departed a few minutes prior to the opening. They carried shoes and towels among various products. These regulars at Exposaldo were taken aback by the large crowds present at such an early hour.
Despite having 120 businesses, the total count of stalls is 180 where “everything” is available for sale.
From Icod de los Vinos, María, in a wheelchair, along with her daughter Juana, who was pushing her, made their way to the Fairgrounds. They came attracted by the offerings, albeit without a clear purchasing plan. They too were surprised by the high number of visitors on a weekday.
Ramiro Sanclemente and Fabiola Díaz, a couple from Cabo Blanco (Arona) in the southern part of the island, came simply to see what was on offer and possibly make an interesting find. They had brought along friends from the Peninsula who were visiting Tenerife for a few days and decided to spend their morning at Exposaldo.
On the supply side, Davinia Padilla, in charge of Caca de la Vaca, a fixture at the fair, noted that “it has started off very well” and the objective is straightforward: “Sell everything.” Merchandise from their two stores in Herradores (La Laguna) and the Suárez Guerra outlet (Santa Cruz) featured their exclusive brand with the enticing title: Malalá y culitos from Spain. A perfect blend of Spanglish without any need for translation.
A 12-volt drill priced at 25 euros when the sales brochure lists it at 39. A real bargain!
Opposite, a new business at the event this year, although it boasts 26 years of experience in the field, is Ferredíaz. Their physical store located on Avenida de los Majuelos, near the Snowman, is witnessing considerable interest. Its owner, Francisco Díaz, proclaimed: “We have taken the risk and it is selling well.” From small appliances to electronics and lighting.
Outlet Ideal World operates two stalls “with everything at 50%” managed by Rosi Izquierdo, its owner, and Juan. They offer branded goods, gift items and a variety of children’s products. Rosi shared: “There are a lot of people here and it’s looking promising; let’s hope it continues like this.” She believes “good weather boosts sales because if it rains, people tend to stay indoors.” The only downside cited was the lack of parking outside.
“A 12-volt drill for 25 euros when the promotional brochure states it is already 39.” Discounts on top of discounts is the successful proposition by Ferredíaz. Or, “branded mugs priced at 5 euros when they retail for 6.95 in bulk and 15 in shops” from Outlet Ideal. The standout is Dormitorum where a mattress retails today at 230 euros compared to 1,000 outside. They flew off the shelves. Lastly, Nuevo Stylo e Imagen is offering: “Cut, treatment, and hairstyle for 22 euros when it usually costs 35.”
The delegation of authorities made their rounds greeting different vendors. From Lifer, a staple in educational games and a veteran at the fair to Piel Piel, which is returning again, known for its shoes and bags. The manager offered: “If you need some leather, we’ll provide a good price.” In both cases, the representatives expressed their “joy” at the sight of so many potential clients.
The Great Hall of the Fairgrounds accommodates all the offerings across 12,000 square metres. Another ‘chameleon’ transformation. The next one will be for Feboda.
The queue is substantial at Baybú, which specialises in children’s footwear and accessories. Rubén Escudeiro, the father of little Gael, bought him sandals and trainers for 50 euros, noting that they would “cost more than double” elsewhere. He remarked: “Unlike previous occasions, I see more people making purchases and less just browsing.”
By one in the afternoon, Dormitorum had run out of mattresses, pillows, and sofas. José Ramón Fuentes commented: “I booked an appointment at 11:10, and they attended to me nearly two hours later.”
Victoria Correa and her daughters, Raquel and Tania Gómez, from Santa Cruz, feel there are “more visitors but less variety.” Nevertheless, they took home a selection of sandals, tops, and t-shirts.
Moisés Alonso represents Nuevo Stylo e Imagen, a Hairdressing and Aesthetics business that returns for a second consecutive time: “I notice significantly more footfall compared to the first day of last year.”
Ana María purchased school supplies for her two granddaughters. “Little essentials for the girls,” she explained and appreciated: “There are very good deals.”
The vehicle section stands out. Juan Pedro Rodríguez, now in his fourteenth year at Exposaldo, stands beside a substantial display of pre-owned vehicles (OVs). Big or small, petrol, diesel, electric, hybrid… He has been operating with his company JP Autos for 25 years and 35 in the automotive industry. “I sense a lot of activity; we have already finalised two sales and are on the verge of the third within half a day,” he shared.
Manuel Fernández, in addition to commending the Fairgrounds team led by Iñaki Domínguez, summarised succinctly: “Best wishes for excellent sales to both the exhibitors and the attendees who come here to buy extensively.”
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