Adel Fathy, buyer from Egypt, attended Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags representing DalyDress. The Egyptian brand offers a complete collection of men’s and women’s clothing ranging from casual to urban and sophisticated looks. DalyDress has managed to position itself as one of the most popular brands in Egypt, with over 60 shops across the country offering clothing, accessories, bags and shoes. DalyDress operates mainly in the Egyptian market, but also has several franchise shops in Saudi Arabia.

We discussed with Adel Fathy the role of his presence at the fair, as a buyer, his perspective on the Egyptian market and on the sector in general, and concluded with his thoughts on the importance of events like the one in Riva del Garda today.

It’s back to travelling. How do you rate your attendance at trade fair events?

“It is important for us to participate. At trade fairs, in particular at Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags, we find various opportunities, including a wide variety of products in different price ranges, as well as the presence of exhibitors and distributors from a variety of countries around the world, some with whom we already do business and others with whom we intend to start collaborating to expand business. This is why trade fairs still represent an added value despite the fact that much of today’s business is done online. The possibility of having an in-person meeting point to see long-standing suppliers and customers and to meet new ones is indispensable for maintaining and building profitable personal and business relationships”.

In your view, what is the current situation of the footwear and leather goods markets?

“Today’s market presents so many challenges for buyers, retailers, manufacturers and distributors: the cost of raw materials, the pitfalls of fast fashion, fast-changing trends, changing consumer needs. My opinion is that as long as trade fairs like the one in Riva del Garda exist, we will all have the opportunity to drive business forward despite the many unknowns. Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags is committed precisely to ensuring that buyers and retailers can find what they need; it puts supply and demand in contact to forge new business relationships. We will continue to be present and we thank all the organisers for giving us the opportunity to participate, making the days of the event truly exceptional”.