MODA REVIEW
Footwear buyers bring new collections on board, while brands report strong order-writing at the autumn / winter 18 edition of Moda
A
ccording to the organisers, footwear buyers are heading into autumn / winter 18 with a
renewed sense of optimism following last month’s edition of Moda Footwear. Across the footwear and apparel sector alike, newness topped buyers’ wishlists, with many taking the opportunity to discover debuting brands at the industry’s key trade event.
“I bought into new collections this time around, including Fiorelli Footwear,” says Olivia Corden, senior merchandise manager at Freemans Grattan. “I also brought brands on board that we haven’t previously had in store such as Unisa and Birkenstock, because the collections looked strong and I could see that they were good quality. The footwear offer in general is very strong at Moda Footwear, and it’s a chance for us to catch up with our key players such as Rieker and Lunar.”
Fellow cross-sector buyer Tracy Harvey agreed that Moda’s footwear offer was particularly strong this season, picking up on debuting label Katy Perry Footwear, which exhibited for the first time as part of the Global Brands Group. “Moda is very strong for us for footwear,” says the managing director at independent department store Harveys of Halifax. “I bought into Katy Perry Footwear and Guess Footwear for the first time, and also took the opportunity to source new product from my existing suppliers. We are now quietly confident about the new autumn season, and we have already booked our accommodation to come back to Moda in August.”
Exhibitors meanwhile praised the enthusiasm amongst retailers and their willingness to try
18 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MARCH/APRIL 2018
something new, describing visitors as being the right calibre to move business forward into a/w 18.
“We have seen first-hand that buyers’
perceptions of Geox have changed here at Moda,” says Neil Bennett, area sales manager for Geox, which exhibited a comprehensive range of footwear and apparel for men and women. “Sales are definitely up – especially where our women’s footwear is concerned - and we have seen a great response to our new, more style-driven designs.”
Moda Footwear exhibitor Irregular Choice also
saw strong sales across the board, and attributed ongoing growth to the calibre of buyers in attendance at Moda.
“We have grown our business season-on-
season at Moda Footwear, because the right sort of buyers come through the door,” says Graham Anderson, brand director for Irregular Choice and Poetic Licence. “This is the best show of its kind in Britain, and the most complete destination for footwear.”
The strong product offer at the show was
complemented by an engaging content programme, which brought industry professionals together to exchange ideas and network throughout the trade. Headed up by Ronnie Irani – former England cricketer and now owner of orthotic brand orthosole – Moda’s seminar programme inspired visitors with new business ideas.
For the first time ever, visitors also has the
opportunity to book onto free and informative workshops, hosted by leaders in their field including bira (the British Independent Retailers’ Association) and e-commerce expert Dan Conboy.
The business focus confirmed Moda Footwear
position as an essential date on the calendar for all footwear professionals looking to get ahead for the new autumn season.
“Moda is a major networking opportunity,” says
Warren Brown, area sales manager for Gardiners. “It’s our opportunity to look at how we can drive and deliver growth objectives, working with customers to develop in store displays and expand ranges on their website. I like to ensure that each customer who comes to see us experiences a personal trading relationship, tailored to their individual needs.”
Brands also revealed that Moda Footwear
continues to be the key platform for discovering new business, with most reporting that they opened more new accounts than anticipated throughout the three day event.
“This is our third season and we are still seeing
new customers,” says Adam Marsden, head of wholesale at Hotter Shoes. “We came to the conclusion that, if we wanted to service the independent retail sector, we had to be here. It’s the main event of the season.”
In the face of ongoing tough trading conditions,
retailers are facing the season to come with a sense of steely optimism having curated their autumn offer at Moda Footwear.
“We are looking forward to the new season now
that we have attended Moda Footwear,” says Julie Howard, director at Brewers Shoes in Sandwich, Kent. “We were inspired by lots of choice and bought into two new collections. Moda is essential to our business – we have always attended, and we always will.”
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 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
