102nd GDS convinces the Sector with Innovative Concepts

Mood at GDS better Now than for a Long Time

GLS confirms its Position as International Platform for Leather Goods

It was with satisfied faces, an 8% rise in exhibitors and many new innovations and further developments in fair design that the 102nd GDS – The Premiere Shoe Event closed at Düsseldorf’s exhibition centre on Sunday. Over three days the orders and information platform attracted 33,000 visitors (a 4.5% rise) from 82 countries to Düsseldorf who came here to gather information on the forthcoming shoe trends for Spring/Summer 2007. Trade buyers were ‘spoilt for choice’ with the over half a million shoe styles presented by 1,398 exhibitors (previous event: 1,301), including the likes of numerous international top designer labels. From exclusive and elegant to young, trendy and experimental the range offered at GDS was comprehensive. Generating particular interest was the premium segment ‘white cubes’ – Messe Düsseldorf’s successful and entirely new concept for exhibitors.

“With its 30% increase in exhibitors the GDS now has an all-new look in the premium segment. The new concept went down very well with buyers,“ said Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. “Once again, GDS has presented the entire spectrum of the international shoe market, thereby impressively underlining its central position as the platform for information and orders in Europe.“

At 58% the proportion of foreign buyers attending also rose again slightly over the previous event. “GDS has managed to “turn around” the trend,” points out GDS Project Director, Kirstin Deutelmoser, after three days at the fair and numerous talks with colleagues in the sector. It therefore comes as no surprise that decision-makers, at 70%, accounted for the largest number of visitors. This also meant qualified planning and orders negotiations could be held. Deutelmoser continued: “After a number of difficult events we have now convinced visitors and exhibitors with a new concept. And we intend to develop this concept further. The 102nd GDS has shown it is able to regain its former strength.“

With the Fashion Shows, TrendVision, Order Information, Trend Lectures, the Sales Assistants’ Day including many further training and motivation events plus a Men’s Special focusing on innovative sales strategies for men’s shoes the 102nd GDS was also able to convince exhibitors and visitors in terms of its supporting programme. “Visitors to GDS know that the fair with its high-quality supporting programme offers them not only trends for the coming season but also important information helping them to make secure ordering decisions,” said Kirstin Deutelmoser.

In the buyers’ camp Peter Herkenrath, Managing Director at Schuhhaus Herkenrath GmbH, summed up developments perfectly: “The mood is better now than it has been for a long time. GDS has now put into practice what buyers have been demanding for years: a special concept for the top segment, short distances at the fair grounds and the ability to work undisturbed. Trade fair management paid attention to many details so as to create the right mood and trigger a desire to buy.” (For further statements please see the enclosed press release).

Exhibitors and visitors rated the clear segmentation of the range especially highly. Clearly segmented areas like Topstyle/Exclusivity/‘white cubes’, International Selection, Kids’ World, Wellness & Comfort, Lifestyle & Sports and Young Fashion helped visitors find their way around the halls of the exhibition. As an independent area for young designers the “Design Attack“ segment presented top fashion under the heading Mambo Italiano in the trendy retro style of the Italian Riviera generating a nostalgic feel amongst visitors. Commenting on the segment Kirstin Deutelmoser said: “‘Design Attack’ was always full. Even buyers from established fashion houses picked up ideas here for the forthcoming fashion season.”

The next GDS/GLS will run from 9 to 11 March 2007.