ILM's foreign commitment is making an impact: The fair is now a fixed date in the calendar of not only Europe buyers, but also for dealers from Russia, America, Asia and the Near and Middle East. "Many of these international companies are now regular customers. They have been coming to Offenbach for several seasons. This confirms the quality and significance of our event“, commented a very satisfied Arnd Hinrich Kappe, managing director of Messe Offenbach. It is very noticeable that there is a marked shift of emphasis among retail companies. "While we are witnessing a slight decline among the traditional leather goods retail trade, the interest of textile companies, shoe retailers and concept stores is steadily increasing." Analyzing the figures, the trade fair director explained that "their share is now 25% or more".

The 148th ILM is still on its successful course and continues to expand its leading position. Exhibitors and buyers appreciate the reliable scheduling and the clear, transparent concept of the event. All the well-known international brands in the bags, accessories and luggage scene are represented under one roof in Offenbach. Thanks to the short distances, retailers can work efficiently and order systematically.

300 exhibitors (previous year: 294), 53% of them from abroad, presented a compact and clearly structured range of products at a fully booked fair covering 13,000 sqm. The exhibits ranged from bags and small leather goods, through luggage, business and school items to umbrellas and accessories for the 2018/19 autumn/winter season.

Trade is looking for strong partners

The ILM has made a name for itself as a fair where companies can work and place orders efficiently. This year, too, exhibitors are reporting brisk order activity. Trade is looking for strong, reliable partners. Suppliers of internationally positioned brands summarized that order volumes have risen compared to the last fair. When selecting products, the focus is more on innovation and added value. Suppliers who have not only invested in the product but also in marketing, story-telling and social media activities were pleased at the increased interest and growth in the number of customers. The topic of visual merchandising is a top priority for manufacturers and dealers. It was striking that an increasing number of exhibitors have redesigned their stands at great expense to make them more attractive. "On the one hand, the aim is to offer retailers new ideas and stories for presenting merchandise in an exciting way and creating worlds of experience” commented Arnd Hinrich Kappe. On the other hand, he is convinced that “the investments are a clear commitment to Offenbach as a trade fair location".

Looking at the fashion trends, bold colors stood out everywhere. Petrol and grey-blue as well as medium shades of brown and all shades of red are the most popular in the trade. The wide range of colors and shapes - from decorative micro-bags to sporty body bags and feminine handbags with interchangeable straps - opened up possibilities for the bag theme to be exhibited individually in tune with each different style group. Thanks to original accessories, fashion themes could be presented in a highly professional and striking environment. Functional aspects and technical innovations are a must for business articles and luggage and also enhance their attractiveness.

Increased reliability thanks to concise order information

Exhibitors and visitors really appreciate the inspiring framework program. The professional fashion presentations and elegant choreography of the two shows "Bag World“ and "Luggage World“, provided highly targeted information. The Lookbook, which reflects the trend themes of the season, was also used as an order aid. The traditional and popular Chill-Out party on Saturday evening provided a great platform for the industry to chat and exchange ideas in an informal atmosphere

"The recipe for success of the ILM has once again proved itself", summarized Arnd Hinrich Kappe. "We aim to be a reliable, international order fair and this means we do everything in our power to make sure exhibitors and visitors get their money's worth." Reliability also includes firm and timely planning. The dates for the 2019 fair have already been fixed:

The ILM Winter Styles will be held from 9 to 11 March 2019.

The ILM Summer Styles is scheduled for 7 to 9 September 2019.

The next date in the industry's calendar however is 1 to 3 September 2018 when the ILM Summer Styles will be opening its doors in Offenbach to present the latest trends for spring/summer 2019.

ILM, Offenbach
(29/04/2018)