...and operators of this sector. In particular, we have revealed the presence of new visitors who have registered at Riva del Garda for the first time, an indisputable sign that the event continues to grow and attract interest from the key international operators of the sector. Furthermore, the edition which has just closed, provided a unique platform for debate regarding the current transformations taking place in the world-wide footwear market: we have the advantage of being able to predict these evolutions and our intention for forthcoming editions is to further strengthen and develop this latest added value in terms of quality and service to the industry.”

These are the comments from the Chairman of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, Roberto Pellegrini at the 85th edition of Expo Riva Schuh, the leading international event for the volume footwear market, which closed today with an increase of 4.4%, compared to the January 2015 edition, welcoming 13,104 visitors.

Attendance was high at Saturday’s opening talk as the event kicked off on the subject of “From private label to fast fashion: how the volume footwear market is changing,” at the core of which, attention was focused on the evolution of international markets.

Taking part in the debate was Bernadette Kissane from EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL, a market-leading, international market research company at global level, along with João Maia, Executive Director of Apiccaps – the Portuguese Footwear Components & Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association as well as Gianluca Mirante, Director Italy - Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

Amongst the interesting facts that emerged from the debate, was the discovery that the main change taking place in the international footwear scenario is that we are witnessing a rapid evolution from private label with low added value to a fast fashion product offering which is increasingly fashion-led and also increasingly fast.

Furthermore, it is expected that over the next few years there is likely to be a real boom in baby products, especially in Asian markets, further to the recent decision by China to lift the one-child only rule. Another phenomenon showing strong growth is the integration between on-line and off-line shopping: consumers tend to purchase on-line, especially by using their mobile devices, but real shops are still the main point of reference where products, that are subsequently bought on-line, can be tried on.

Finally, the debate revealed an increased presence on the international market-place of companies using mixed supply strategies: alongside those who produce their own collection in its entirety, we see companies that out-source part of their manufacturing and creative work, while others out-source all of their manufacturing and creative input.

“To have an idea of just how much business is shifted at Expo Riva Schuh, it is sufficient to think that 50-60% of world sales in volume terms is made up of the mid and mid-low segment, which is precisely that targeted by Expo Riva Schuh – explains Giovanni Laezza, Managing Director of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi. We are dealing with the market in which the highest number of shoes are sold and it is estimated that one out every two pairs of shoes bought in Europe were acquired at Expo Riva Schuh. This fact is significant, and confirms that Expo Riva Schuh is well-targeted. The factors that make this event so unique and the ideal place for finalising business agreements derive from the fact that we have always been able to adapt and respond to the demands of the producers and buyers, bringing together previews of future collections and a selection from the current season. We talk to and welcome to Riva del Garda representatives of the leading countries from the sector, and we offer a meeting hub between production and distribution, and can boast a solid know-how in terms of specialist fairs.”

Expo Riva Schuh isn’t just business, debates and meeting opportunities though: it is also a place where you can touch the previews of the new collections for Autumn/Winter 2016-2017 with your own hands.

“The stars of ladies’ footwear will be suede, leather and fur with designs using plexi and decorated detailing – adds Carla Costa, Exhibitions Manager at Riva del Garda Fierecongressi. For men, a subtle, elegant style is emerging, but always original. Mono-tone footwear is making a come-back, combining a mix of materials and textures. For children, we have seen a return to chic styles, with a strong presence of classics, such as lace-ups and moccasins, in shiny leather with darker and more subtle shades than in the previous season.”

Expo Riva Schuh looks forward to the next edition with an increasingly social spirit: the event is currently building its presence on the social networks through its Facebook page and Instagram profile. This is a strategy that will facilitate direct and efficient contact with exhibitors, visitors and all the fashion community, above all the international fashion bloggers, who once again, at the edition which has just closed, were involved in telling the social story of the event.

Expo Riva Schuh
(01/02/2016)