International designer labels return to Düsseldorf shoe fairs
24 Aug '07
4 min read
GDS is undergoing a transformation and increasingly regaining the confidence of the industry. New concepts, innovative marketing strategies and an up-to-date image have brought the international shoe trade fair new momentum of late.
More and more first-time exhibitors and returning participants recognize the importance of GDS as a powerful trade and communication platform for the international market.
From 14 to 16 September 2007, a total of 1,378 exhibitors from 45 countries (as of 21 August 2007) will be presenting their latest shoe and bag collections for Spring/Summer 2008 as well as ex-stock items for the current season at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre during GDS/GLS – International Event for Shoes, Leather Goods & More and "global shoes & accessories".
These numbers put the forthcoming event at the same level as last year's edition. GDS as locomotive, however, is convincing with qualitative and quantitative growth: With eight percent more exhibitors and many new attractive labels, the fair's development exceeds expectations.
104th GDS gains even more radiance The forthcoming 104th GDS underscores the upward trends of past events. Whereas the fair has always completely covered the German market, now labels from other important producer countries are returning or exhibiting at GDS for the first time.
The coming fair represents a 12 percent growth in exhibitors from Italy, Spain and France. A similarly strong development can be observed with exhibitors from the USA, while the number of exhibitors from Great Britain has almost doubled compared with last year's event.
Concurrently, the seven segments of GDS are growing. Most notably, the International Selection, Wellness & Comfort, Young Fashion and Exclusivity areas show quantitative as well as qualitative improvement.
Thanks to the very successful concept areas "prime square – value & tradition" and "white cubes – contemporary design", the Exclusivity area in Hall 9 is registering 32 percent more exhibitors. In the premium area "white cubes" alone, 150 international designer labels and progressive high-fashion label will present themselves this September in an exclusive ambience.
marketing@alchempro.com
