KENSINGTON REVIEW
The Kensington Shoe EventAutumn/Winter 2013 T
he Kensington Shoe Event returned to the Kensington Close Hotel, London W8, this season after spending five years at The Westbury, Mayfair. The newly refurbished Kensington Close Hotel, a prestigious
London venue, attracted comments of approval from all the exhibitors and retailers that I met at this season’s Event.
The three-day Kensington Shoe Event has become a top show for medium-to-high quality footwear, but it still remains delightfully compact and customer-friendly. With its impressive ranges and comfortable hotel setting, situated in central London, just outside the congestion zone, this show rarely disappoints.
The timing of the Event, held just after the major European Shows,
allows buyers, namely boutique and independents, to have a clear mind on what to buy in a relaxed and informal environment. They also enjoy its luxurious surroundings and complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits, available throughout the show, as well as its underground car parking.
Despite, the freezing wintry weather over the show weekend, footwear
retailers were in evidence and business was clearly being done on the Tuesday when I visited the show. I met up with Elaine Hornby, of First Edition, Wallingford, who commented for Footwear Today: "It was good to be back at the Kensington Close Hotel this season. We prefer this location as it is easier to navigate, more comfortable to look at footwear and less frantic than other shows. It's also outside the central London Congestion Zone and the daily rate for parking at the hotel is only £7.50 for Kensington Shoe Event visitors. We buy most of our stock at this show - this season we found some lovely new styles and revisited some old favourites.”
Co-organiser of the event, footwear agent Martin Ward reported a very
successful Show at this season’s Event: "The Kensington Shoe Event was held over 17/19 March at The Kensington Close Hotel. Most visitors found
the new lay-out to be much better than previously experienced at this venue and certainly easier to "navigate" than the four floors at The Westbury!!
“The Show was attended by many retailers looking for specific products
to complete their buying for A/W 2013. Thankfully, lots were looking for beautifully produced leather-lined boots to retail between £99 - £159 and so our VITTI LOVE range did exceptionally well. It was by far our best Show in the last five years and certainly proved the point that canny retailers make the best buyers!! Our other range, Paco Herrero, also did some good business with their regular fans and also some new customers. Considering the dreadful weather over the Show weekend it was a successful Show".
Co-organiser, Footwear agent Renato de Angelis commented:
“The show had a slow start on Sunday but it was better for the 2 following days. One thing though has been that most of the retailers only stopped to do business with the ranges that they had budgeted for, without looking at others. Again this is sign of the times; poor sales in the shops = little confidence in trying new ranges or just buying the necessary from the few. This caused some of the exhibitors to be a bit disappointed about orders taken this time, whilst some others were happy because they did well.
“On a positive note visitors liked the new, refurbished Kensingon Close
hotel and were glad to return to this original location; all exhibitors on one floor, less problem for parking, no congestion charges and good relaxing seating area.”
Regular exhibitors showing at the Event this season included such
brands as Unisa; Paul Green; SKA Ballerinas; Peter Kaiser; Arche; Hispanitas; and Moda in Pelle. There were some very interesting new brands on show: Bugatti, Marco Moreo; Pinucci; Marian; Maripe; Avance; Pilar Abril; Menbur; Pikolinos; Pittolos and Pretty Loafers amongst others.
held at The Kensington Close Hotel, London W8, from March 17th – 19th March 2013
24 • FOOTWEAR TODAY
• APRIL 2013
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40