TRADE SHOW NEWS What the exhibitors had to say about the Spring 2020 Shoe trade shows “Waldläufer attend MICAM and MODA and both shows are very important


to us as a brand. MICAM is the best European show and attracts buyers from all over the world. As well as seeing some of our most forward-thinking retailers from the UK and Ireland we also work with buyers from Australia, Canada, Japan and many more.


“MODA was quiet this season, perhaps a combination of weather and


competition from SOLE. We however saw the same number of customers as in previous shows. Around 75 of our retailers visited us over the three days at the NEC. MODA continues to be the key event for UK and Irish buyers who find the location and the concentration of quality brands attractive. It seems a shame that the emergence of a new show based in the Midlands might threaten the future of the shoe trades central show. We don’t feel that splitting the industry is productive and the consistent feedback from our Irish customers is that they will not travel to a show outside the NEC. This is the main reason that we will continue to show at MODA. See you all 2nd - 4th August.


“Little niggles exist at the NEC, e.g. no WiFi in the hall and no hot water in


the taps at the back of hall 6. Given the amounts of money involved in showing at the NEC one would expect these basic requirements to be provided. This may be an issue with the NEC. We also find the extra charges made by Freeman for things like panels and shelves for the shell scheme to be expensive. Despite this we will continue to support MODA as the central show for the UK and Irish shoe trade.” Matt Nuttal, Waldläufer UK


“Once again, MODA proved to be the best-attended Footwear exhibition in


the UK and remains the only national shoe show of any note. The footfall on Sunday was exceptional, with us seeing customers from across the UK & Ireland and at times we struggled to cope with the number of customers. Monday was quieter than usual, possibly due to the inclement weather. We felt that the new layout worked well for us and gave an overall feeling of newness to show, something that was much overdue. Moving halls was less well-received as the distance to the car park was an issue for many customers.” Martin Rye, GRS Footwear


“I attended both MICAM and MODA with Legero, MICAM was well attended


by buyers from the UK & Ireland and we had customers visit to place orders and also gained some new business as well. This Fair is an important date in the buying season for our Market. MODA in general seemed quieter than usual especially in the afternoons. We had a very busy time with appointments with our stockists and did also begin some new business from retailers in both the UK & Ireland. The layout of the Hall which was not used in its entirety had narrow aisles in the middle area but were wider near the back of the Hall where we were. Having to go outside of the exhibition area to use the toilet and not having the food outlets in operation was a first. Set up and breakdown for small cars only being parked outside made a long walk and many trips in the rain, when there was enough space to get many more vehicles inside. We look forward to returning to the usual Halls in August.” Marcus Baker MSSF, Sales Manager UK & Ireland.


“Considering the current economic climate and the inclement weather,


particularly on the Monday (snow/floods/wind). We as a company were extremely happy with the attendance and the reaction we received, to both our Spring/Summer and our new collection for Autumn/Winter 2020 ‘In- stock ranges’. Particularly the Ladies Cipriata Collection. With regards to the new Company running the show, we had one or two issues with their administration side, e.g. had to chase on more than one occasion for our badges, we were not on the ‘Attendance Board’ along with a number of other companies at the main entrance or in ‘Show Guide’ as UKD. Also, parts of our carpet appeared to have been cut with a ‘knife and fork’. Having said that, when I did raise various points, Lisa Glover (Director) was very responsive and dealt with the situations efficiently. Going forward we feel additional trade shows are only going to dilute the attendance at MODA. MODA should realise attendances are falling and should perhaps look at reducing overhead/costs and entice the menswear show back to MODA. Therefore, reinvigorate and create an incentive, so footwear suppliers can re-engage and support MODA once again.” Mike Barton, UKD.


8 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MARCH/APRIL 2020 “Well the trade shows have been challenging this season. Sole Fashion:


Both Our brands, Rieker and Remonte exclusively attended this show for AW20. The Show was a delight in terms its organisation. Set up and pull down was very easy, efficient and well organised. The Show was a 2-day event, which worked well for us. The location was very good, being at the Ricoh Arena, there are plenty of local hotels (one on site), parking was very easy and close to the hall. The hall itself was also pleasant, with plenty of room.


Sadly, the show also coincided with Storm Denis and this only a week after


Storm Ciara. This was certainly one of the reasons that numbers of visitors were disappointing. The ones that did come were very pleased with both brands AW20 range which is always a good sign. Overall, the show was ok for us, location was good, facilities excellent and the organisation of the show faultless. Visitors disappointing but this we think was down to the horrendous weather and dates coinciding with MICAM and of course MODA being the following week.


MODA: I did visit the MODA show, but only as a visitor. I visited on Monday


morning. There seemed to be a few visitors but again numbers did seem well down. I obviously cannot comment on the organisation of this particular show. In the past the organisation has been challenging to say the least and was one of the many reasons I decided not to go back to MODA for AW20. As I mentioned there are lots of other reasons that I will not go into. I have spoken to Martin, who I believe runs MODA, and have no issues personally with him or MODA itself. We as a brand just decided that something needed to change and the new 2-day event at Ricoh Arena was well worth trying.


MICAM: Rieker and Remonte as a brand, did attend MICAM, although UK


was not involved. I am told by my colleagues that the show was ok, our range again very well received, but numbers did seem down.


Summary: It is disappointing that the UK Footwear Trade Shows have split


and we do need for this to become one again. My personal view is that a trade show is very good for the overall industry. Retailers need somewhere where they can see what is being offered by the industry and select accordingly what work for them. However, the numbers do need to work. From my personal point of view MODA had become impossible to work with, again for many reasons, but if for nothing else the costs of the show was becoming a serious issue. The other issue is the number of visitors. This would appear to be declining heavily. Again, costs go up and numbers decline. This is not going to work.” Comment from a spokesman for Rieker.


“It was a pleasure to meet so many of our customers and potential new


accounts at Moda. Retailers welcomed the new direction of our Gardiners stands and our close commercial relationships with Skechers, Rocket Dog, Base London and Hush Puppies. Hush Puppies delivered a very strong portfolio this season with new developments of WorryFree™ waterproof suede casual fashion boots and improvements in winter comfort.’’ Mark Pownall, National Sales Manager at Gardiners.


“Lurchi by Salamander and Oomphies attended MODA last weekend and


had a generally good show. The Organisation and set up ran smoothly and break down of the stands went well. Attendances were good on the Sunday but surprisingly quieter than expected on the Monday, Tuesday was perhaps better than expected. but I would estimate overall numbers were down due to a slow Monday. The reaction to our Lurchi boots was fantastic, due to good sell out of our TEX breathable and waterproof product. MODA was again a good order writing opportunity. The Children's area in general was well thought out with the coffee area in the middle to meet and network. On a lighter note the Cubes that spelt out MODA in the cafe area had been re- arranged to spell DOOM, by someone with too much time on their hands. I blame Private Fraser from Dads Army! “ Jeremy Hewitt, Shewitts.


“Although the attendance was noticeably down from previous showings I


saw the buyers that I needed to see and some good new business was secured and overall when I analyse the business written over the three days would equate to four weeks work on the road!


www.footweartoday.co.uk > 10


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