REVIEW THE 104th OF EXPO RIVA: EDITION Understanding the changing market
Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags confirmed their role as strategic global hubs, focusing on market and
product diversification in response to the new balances of Affinity Globalisation. The trade fairs are evolving towards an integrated platform model for the global volume fashion industry…
E
arlier this month, during the first 2026 edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, a series of events unfolded
set to reshape geopolitical and commercial balances. These are the signs of a world changing at great speed, where global assets move faster than maps can be redrawn.
At Riva del Garda, the spotlight was on
Affinity Globalisation – a form of globalisation that is far from disappearing, but is instead transforming. It is becoming increasingly complex, with significant implications for supply chains that are now spreading across a growing number of production countries, creating redundancy. A scenario essentially defined by diversification. Within this context, Expo Riva Schuh and
Gardabags – as always opening the AW26- 27 season – once again demonstrated their strength as international hubs for industry networking, commercial exchange, and for interpreting and shaping future scenarios.
The key figures The Riva del Garda event has embodied diversification for decades – a fact clearly confirmed by the figures from the January 2026 edition, with almost 8,000 visitors and a contraction in mature markets such as Italy, Germany and France. Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of
Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, commented: “We recorded significant growth from countries including Poland, Belgium, Slovenia, Georgia and North Macedonia, as well as emerging markets such as Chile, Colombia and Kenya. “Particularly noteworthy was the participation
of Korean buyers, confirming the fair’s role as a gateway for the development of new markets. In a world that is increasingly divided, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags bring together the footwear, bags and travel goods sectors in a truly international setting.”
10 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • FEBRUARY 2026 Scott Sinclaire, Canadian buyer at East Lake
Limited, underlined: “Being able to find such a wide range of designs, materials, suppliers and price points will allow me to differentiate myself from competitors.” Marta Artigas, designer at Spain’s BCN Design
Studio, highlighted the value of the Gardabags project: “I am confident that the new format and the variety of the offer on display will establish the fair as the key reference point for leather goods and luggage. It is an ever-changing market and therefore Gardabagsreally is an unmissable event in the industry calendar!
The key events The footwear, sneaker and bag consumer trends presented in the Highlights Area, developed in collaboration with Arsutoria, have enjoyed growing success. All sessions held over the four days this month were consistently sold out. Strong attendance was also recorded at the
Market Focus sessions, which explored market outlooks across the Americas, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
To assess the success of the Innovation
Village Retail, Kenyan entrepreneur, Grace Mbugua, of Jeilo Leather Collections, summarised: “Understanding the opportunities offered by the many technological innovations presented by the start-ups at the fair is essential for all companies wanting to grow and overcome the ongoing frictions and challenges of today’s market.” Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags went further, building on this well-established initiative. They also introduced the Showcase Area, where visitors were able to admire the most representative models from Gardabags exhibitors, and the Garda Trentino Lounge, created to welcome the press while simultaneously promoting the Garda Trentino area. The return and success of Expo Riva Nights
further confirmed the desire of the Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags community to build strong and lasting relationships even in relaxed and informal settings.
The future Roberto Pellegrini, Chairman of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, commented: “Our future is already mapped out: the event will no longer be just a footwear and bags trade fair, but will evolve into the global hub for volume fashion. This transformation will be driven by product diversification, offering buyers and manufacturers practical answers to industry needs.” This forward-looking approach to both the
industry and the event speaks more powerfully than any figures in highlighting Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags’ continued role as the international benchmark for the world of accessories and fashion.
The next edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags will take place 13-16 June 2026.
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