REVIEW: EXPO RIVA SCHUH & GARDABAGS
A SUCCESSFUL CLOSE FOR THE 99TH OF EXPO RIVA SCHUH & GARDABAGS
The latest edition of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags recently closed its doors after seeing nearly 9,000 attendees over the four days, which is an increase of 12.5 per cent in footfall compared to June 2022.
O
rganisers have called it “an undeniably successful edition”, capped off by 26 events including the important International Summit in collaboration with CIFA, Market Focuses and the Innovation Village Retail.
“At this edition, I perceived an atmosphere among the best I have ever experienced,” commented Roberto Pellegrini, Chairman of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi. “The quality of the exhibits, the range of the product offering, the depth of the events and the response from exhibitors and visitors: all of these components were met with positive feedback from the fair’s international trade visitors.”
The event once again proved to be an excellent opportunity to gauge market sentiment. Production halts in certain countries due to the pandemic and the logistics crisis of recent years have led many to rethink their procurement strategy and seek closer and more reliable partners.
The dramatic rise in inflation, on the other hand, has forced us to keep costs under control and, as a result, seek out suppliers who can provide valuable collections at reasonable prices.
In a market rife with unknowns, the Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags platform is more important than ever for analysing and implementing winning business strategies capable of mitigating risk.
More overseas visitors The important return of a large number of Asian exhibitors (over 250 companies from Mainland China alone) and the increasingly diverse international offering (as many as 42 countries, including the débuts of Switzerland, Japan, Nepal, the Czech Republic and Mexico) made this latest edition of Riva del Garda the most important appointment yet for sourcing footwear, bags and accessories. Of all the visitors this month, 80 per cent were from Europe and 20 per cent from outside Europe. Also noteworthy is the significant increase in buyers from Spain (+35 per cent), as well as from Germany (+9 per cent). Not to be overlooked was the participation recorded on the fair’s digital platform, which led to meetings between some 10,000 industry professionals.
“Numbers that pleasantly impress us,” said Alessandra Albarelli, Director of Riva del Garda
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Fierecongressi. “In a European market where some of the most important countries are currently stagnant, the increased attendance rate is an excellent sign, rewarding Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags’ decision to also focus on other markets, such as those of Latin America, Africa, the United States and South East Asia.” During the show, the International Summit in collaboration with CIFA (Confederation of International Footwear Association) dedicated to further exploring the encounter between supply and demand and assessing post- pandemic challenges and opportunities.
Startup Competition Elsewhere, the focus on innovation was renewed with the now customary Innovation Village Retail event that brought together the world of distribution (and beyond) to explore the possibilities offered by new technologies for a more sustainable and innovative shopping experience. This was demonstrated by the
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winner of the Startup Competition: Cents – an ethical, engaging and sustainable solution allowing a percentage of each e-commerce purchase to be donated to charitable causes. Preparation is already underway for next year’s must-attend 100th edition of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, to be held from 13 to 16 January 2024, in which the Riva del Garda event will celebrate more than 50 years of working with the most important industry players.
GianPaola Pedretti, Exhibition Manager of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, said: “We look forward to welcoming exhibitors and buyers in 2024 and celebrating our 100th edition together. The celebrations will be distributed throughout the entire Riva del Garda area and spread over time since they will involve both the winter and summer editions.”
Save the dates for 2024: 13-16 January and 15-18 June!
EDITION
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