Business platform, observatory over the international markets, trend laboratory: Expo Riva Schuh, the international event of note for the world of volume footwear is all this and more. At Riva del Garda, the organisational machine is already hard at work getting ready for the next appointment in June, the very first chance to present collections for Spring/Summer 2017.
The ultimate international meeting place, Expo Riva Schuh continues to forge ahead with its successful formula that combines its “global” spirit with “local” elements, in a unique combination of business and networking opportunities.
The business part, as always, will be at the heart of the event: a real commercial hub for the mid-range footwear market segment, Expo Riva Schuh where supply meets demand at global level. With exhibitors coming from over 40 countries, the fair offers a complete overview of what’s on offer from all the key production capitals of worldwide footwear, from Asia, Europe and South America. Visitors also contribute a high level of internationalisation. Over and above these visitors, who come from over 100 different countries, Expo Riva Schuh prepares to welcome a number of buyer delegations, organised with the help of the ICE Agency, coming from South America (in particular from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Columbia and Peru) as well as from Europe, with representatives from Belgium, Spain and Sweden.
This exceptional diversification in terms of supply has meant that Expo Riva Schuh attracts a vast and varied audience, added to that of the large chains from central and northern Europe who have always visited the exhibition. Amongst those who come to Riva del Garda, these days we also come across fast fashion chains, who started out in the clothing sector and then subsequently made an entry into the world of footwear, manufacturers who are looking for other manufacturers, able to produce all or part of their range on a grand scale, along with buyers from the major e-commerce websites. The presence of these two categories of professionals confirms the macro trend which has been seen during the last two editions of the fair: a distinction which is increasingly less noticeable between the roles of manufacturer and buyer and the rise of mixed commission strategies, more flexible than before and able to adapt to market trends and consumer demands.
The prime objective of Expo Riva Schuh however, remains that of responding to current change and offering operators a qualified business opportunity. The next edition will continue to aim for a high level ofinternationalisation and quality services for exhibitors and visitors alike.
From its traditional vantage point over the international market and its trends, Expo Riva Schuh will once again offer an inauguration that will comprise a debate and discussion on the main themes of the moment for the sector.