Returning to Riva del Garda from 13 to 16 January 2018 is the extraordinary showcase for volume footwear, Expo Riva Schuh. Over the years, the event that has confirmed itself to be a meeting point between international production and distribution, with key representation of the main production districts at the fair – China, India, Vietnam, Brazil, etc. – and heterogeneous distribution both in terms of nationalities represented and distribution channel types (from big chain stores to fast fashion, and from wholesalers to e-commerce). At the same time, it carefully follows the developments of international markets, with the intent of transforming them into business opportunities for the fair’s attendees. The focus of the last few editions has been on issues like the integration between online and offline sales channels known as omni-channel retailing: extremely relevant issues addressed also at the inaugural events of the fair, with the contribution of experts and sector analysts.
At this 89th edition, 1,400 exhibitors coming from 34 different countries will present their Fall/Winter 2018-19 collections to around 13,000 trade visitors coming from 100 nations. On the front of the exhibitors there will be the debut of the Bulgarian collective and of the Czech Republic. There also will be the new entry of Paraguay. On the fron of the visitors, can be also be added the nationalities encountered during the Expo Riva Schuh Around the World promotional tour: after South Africa, the great protagonist of the 88th edition, this time it is the turn of Scandinavia. Last October 12, the organisers of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi met buyers from this part of the world in Stockholm, presenting the Riva event, while analysing worldwide retail trends together, in light of the new timing dictated by fast fashion. A delegation with buyers selected on this occasion and other nationalities will be invited to the 89th edition of the event, with the support of Ice Agency.
Among the segments represented at the fair, in a prominent place of importance will also be the children’s footwear proposed by international producers/distributors, and by the entire world of licensing, including especially the world of cartoons. Among the leading names we will find the Italian Arnetta, which recently also acquired licensing rights to the Juventus, Milan and Inter soccer teams; the French Groupe Royer and the German Cortina with licenses for various cartoon heroes; the French brand Bopy and the Brazilian company Pampili… accordingly, a 360° overview onto the world of children’s volume footwear will be presented.
An international and qualified business platform, as well as an observatory onto on-going trends in the global production and worldwide distribution chain, Expo Riva Schuh officially opens the FW 2018-19 season of footwear by offering all operators from the footwear industry a unique opportunity to meet up and provide their first feedback on the collections.
