KENSINGTON PREVIEW
The Kensington Shoe Event March 18-20, Westbury Hotel, Bond Street, Mayfair, London W1
I
n the current economic climate, many independent footwear retailers are turning their backs on the major European shoe shows, in favour of smaller events closer to home.
Some claim the high expenditure involved in travelling long distances these days, particularly to exhibitions overseas, is no longer cost effective.
Those who can only afford to go to one
footwear show this season might consider The Kensington Shoe Event. Popular with discerning footwear and fashion buyers, right in the heart of London, it has become the leading UK show for medium-to-high quality footwear. Held twice yearly, in March and September, at the Westbury Hotel, the compact show is well worth a visit.
On display there are generally 50+ brands to give
retailers an exciting cross section of Europe’s best factories and designers. Visitors will find footwear and accessory collections across age groups, with some fantastic new styles to please all those who attend. These are some of the best selling brands in the UK for shoe and fashion retailers.
The show is an informal and relaxed event,
where the visitors feel very much at ease and can concentrate on their buying and, for those who have been at the major European shows, reviewing previously placed orders. It certainly ranks highly on the list of my favourite footwear shows, which I attend both spring and autumn.
The Kensington Shoe Event is organised by footwear agents Renato de Angelis and Martin Ward. 4 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MARCH 2012 Martin outlined the strengths that benefit both
exhibitors and visitors. "I think it's important that people understand that this event is organised by Renato and myself, coming from the point of view of agents, rather than event organisers, in terms of our experience. This in turn means that we can understand better the needs of our colleagues and the trade as a whole. We are trying to offer the best setting for the business we are in, and we want to maintain a suitable ambience where visitors feel they can view the products at a comfortable pace, and establish a relationship with the exhibitors which will benefit both."
The forthcoming Kensington Shoe Event will be
held from March 18 to 20 2012, and hopes to echo its past successes as an event with a high level of quality brands, in a comfortable setting for buyers
to browse at their own pace and leisure. Entry to the show is free of charge, and visitors can enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout the day. Exhibitors and visitors can also choose to have late appointments where necessary, as there is no set 'lock-up' time in the hotel.
For this coming season, Martin Ward is happy to
advise that once again the "House Full" signs are up at The Kensington Shoe Event.
Martin told Footwear Today “We are very pleased
to welcome Jeffrey Preece with his wonderfully comfortable "Think!" collection and Colin Goldstraw with his inimitable "Mary G" and "Ultimate Collection" ranges of dressy shoes. Also returning to the Event are the deluxe moccasins made in Tuscany by the unique "Gardenia" factory.”
Furthermore, Martyn Kirby will be presenting
"Furiezza" and "Kibei" for the first time as will Martin Ward with "Luxax" and "Vitti Love". Overall there will be 53 complete collections on display during the 3-day Event, giving buyers from far and near plenty of time to see everything on offer at this exciting and commercial Event.
The opening hours are: Sunday - Monday 9.30am - 6.30pm Tuesday 9.30am-4.00pm.
For more information about the Kensington Show Event, including a floor plan and contact details of the organisers and all the exhibitors, please visit the website:
http://www.thekensingtonshoeevent.co.uk/
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