The footwear sector continues to be in motion: consumers’ behaviour is changing; online-only players and vertical operations are altering their retail structures. A trade show has to react to such changes, explains Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf: “Three years ago we have agreed with trade and industry to pitch GDS as a communications and information platform at earlier dates – in keeping with the then status quo. Many things have happened in the meantime and the shoe market is highly dynamic. Whoever you talk to – all confirm that the market is governed by great insecurity. Even though the needs of the individual market players vary extremely, one insight emerged clearly in the in-depth conversations with the extended circle of advisors: The sector wishes to have a strong international GDS. There are several objectives to be met: GDS remains an important basis for exchange of information. The industry wants to present its brand values at GDS as before but at the same time, placing/ taking orders should in future move more centre stage. In view of the market changes the sector also feels that it is important to have GDS moved closer to the season. This is why we have decided together with the extended Advisory Board to hold the Summer 2017 GDS in early September. Furthermore, the trade show will be held from Sunday to Tuesday in order to also accommodate smaller-sized retailers.”

Dornscheidt does not consider the fact that the GDS dates might clash with the packed event agenda of the extremely busy Messe Düsseldorf exhibition centre an obstacle: “Messe Düsseldorf’s motto reads: We are a reliable partner for the industry. Therefore, we will react in the correspondingly flexible manner and actively co-manage change in the footwear sector although this may mean that we will probably have to opt for another venue.”

Messe Düsseldorf will publish further information and details concerning the summer edition of GDS in early December.

At the GDS held from 7 to 9 February Messe Düsseldorf expects more than 700 brands to exhibit their international collections in the three lifestyle worlds HIGHSTREET, POP UP and STUDIO. In addition to this, there will be an informative trend programme. Held concurrently with GDS will be tag it! with approx. 150 exhibitors.

GDS, Düsseldorf
(16/10/2016)