The Buyer Programme at Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags is a real business opportunity for all professionals in the world of footwear, leather goods and accessories. "We really believe in fostering the meeting and relationship between supply and demand. We are working to make the Riva del Garda fair increasingly the reference point for international volume footwear for all players in the supply chain," says Caterina Bricolo, Sales & Exhibition Executive. And she adds: "After the positive feedback we already had at the June 2022 fair, we have started working on recruiting new delegates for the entire year 2023, with the aim of growing the project and offering an even better service".
The countries with which Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags has begun to collaborate are Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. In addition, contacts with India and America have been strengthened. A US delegation will be present at the fair in January 2023, as well as several buyers from South America.
Back in Europe, thanks to the help of the chambers of commerce in Munich and Copenhagen, the participation of the German market and the Scandinavian countries will be even more prominent. The work done in the UK by Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags is also important. It was precisely in London that the "ERS Around the World" event was recently held. It marked the resumption of the tour of appointments aimed at strengthening the identity of the trade fair at an international level. On this occasion, a special activity was organised: a wine tasting, recommended for the occasion by a renowned sommelier, recalling the styles and trends found in the footwear sector. Specific trends were identified – Casual Fashion, Fashion Forward, Sport Fashion, Classical Evening wear, Classical Urban chic – and for each of them a pairing with a wine considered most suitable for the occasion was devised.
Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags' tireless commitment to solid and profitable relations with international buyers is increasingly systematic and strategic, and now also benefits from the newfound possibility of travelling. The buyers themselves are showing great interest in the fair and "even those who have never had the opportunity to participate are organising themselves so as not to miss the next appointments. At last, we can say that, after the halt due to Covid, the fair in Riva del Garda is growing again,' says Caterina Bricolo.
The success of the Buyer Programme also lies in the great work of profiling the exhibitors and the collections presented during the days of the fair. A level of in-depth analysis that makes it possible to best meet the needs of exhibitors and buyers and that favours profitable business meetings by matching demand with the exact offer (in terms of style, quality and price) it is looking for.
Alongside this catalogue work, which is crucial for those who have to finalise the right purchases, there are other advantages for buyers. Thanks to the activation of the Buyer Office, an incoming package has been created whose services include: advantages and facilities for travel and accommodation; access to the fair and the Buyer Lounge, i.e., the area for relaxation, refreshments and networking during the days of the event; use of the Business Scout service, i.e., personalised assistance in the search for specific exhibitors and products; direct participation in dedicated training events; and access to exclusive networking moments with exhibitors.
"Last June there were more than 100 countries of origin of buyers, and in January 2023 we expect to exceed that figure. Important figures that also make our exhibitors happy: commercial actions are already underway for the sale of the June 2023 stands for which we are registering positive feedback, especially from foreigners, so much so that, at the moment, some brands are on the waiting list," concludes Caterina Bricolo.
The latest news for next January will be the opening of the completely renovated Hall A2, in which a special Lounge area will be set up reserved for exhibitors and customers and accessible by invitation only. Changes are also in sight as far as Gardabags is concerned: bags and accessories will no longer be concentrated only in one hall but will also be present in the other areas of the fair and on the stands of exhibitors expanding their offer.
Thus, Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags not only confirms itself as the international footwear trade fair by volume, but also by its ability to provide a complete offer for the entire world of fashion accessories.
