 of the international markets
The 83rd edition of Expo Riva Schuh comes to a close, the leading event for the volume footwear sector and established meeting point between the major footwear manufacturing countries and the sector’s operators: 12,552 visitors in attendance, just slightly down, compared to the January 2014 edition.
“The event has it within its DNA to look to international markets and its positioning within the calendar makes it ideal for buyers, especially for large chains – explains Giovanni Laezza, General Director of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi. Over the past few years, we’ve been able to understand the great changes at worldwide level and it has given us great satisfaction to welcome a delegation of international buyers, from Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia. Above all, a very positive sign came from the Russian buyers, who have demonstrated their interest in quality products with a reasonable price-tag. This, for them is a new strategic choice deriving from the difficult moment that the rouble is going through, and Expo Riva Schuh is responding to this both in terms of the target offered and in terms of services. Furthermore, thanks to the programme dedicated to buyers during the days of the fair - coordinated by Promos, the special agency for international activities of the Milan Chamber of Commerce – numerous qualified contacts have been made with the exhibitors and great business opportunities for the Italian companies too, who are amongst the worst hit by the market crisis in Eastern Europe.” In order to strengthen its internationalisation process, Expo Riva Schuh has signed an important three year collaboration agreement with the five major Chinese agencies that represent almost entirely the 412 Chinese companies present at the fair. Expo Riva Schuh is also renewing its agreement with CLE, the Council for Leather Export, to reinforce Indian participation. These are important partnerships that demonstrate a strong bond and great sign of faith on the part of key market players in the world’s footwear markets. The 1,331 exhibitors, (of whom 984 were foreigners, with a new entry from Bulgaria), occupied a 32,500m2 exhibition area where they showed previews of their collections for Autumn/Winter 2015/16. The trend is for a comfort mood and a less aggressive look with more natural colours, shapes and materials. For women, in particular, ankle boots have become a real must, especially amongst urban and casual styles. We have also seen the return of the boot, classic, sporty or equestrian style. In the collections dedicated to men, the mix of styles on offer show great attention to detail but without going over the top: from biker boots to treated leathers and dark tones, as well as strictly British shoes. In terms of junior footwear, the style is decidedly sporty glam, with kids’ shoes that have a re-designed sporty trend. In order to meet the needs of exhibitors and visitors, the event’s new dedicated services met with great success. These included Last Minute Solutions, on hand to make the stay easier in Riva del Garda for anyone taking part in Expo Riva Schuh, and the Buyers’ Lounge, a meeting place which, thanks to the partnership with the Trentino Cooks’ Association, for the culinary side of things, showcased products from the Trentino area. The dates for the next edition of Expo Riva Schuh are from June 13th to 16th 2015. Riva del Garda
(19/01/2015) |
