The world’s footwear production is undergoing changes both in the west (with increasingly flexible manufacturing methods) and also in the east (where manufacturing is ever more geared towards the growing Asian markets), plus the dictates of 4.0 industry and an ever- expanding integration between physical and online shopping: these numerous changes that are affecting the volume footwear sector will be at the centre of Expo Riva Schuh, the key international event for this market that is getting ready for the 89th edition, scheduled for January 13th to 16th 2018.
The new structure of worldwide production, which is redefining the balance between the major international manufacturing districts, will come together in the exhibition halls of Expo Riva Schuh, where an increasing amount of space is being dedicated to emerging markets: at this edition, groups from Bulgaria and the Czech Republic will be joining the consolidated groups of companies from China, India and Brazil as well as Italian and other European brands. For the first time, Paraguay will also be represented amongst the exhibitors.
The exhibition halls in Riva del Garda will bring together and host the Autumn/Winter 2018/2019 collections from more than 1,400 exhibitors from 43 different countries.
The challenges presented by a retail world that is more and more focused on the integration between the offline and online experience are reflected in the involvement of new professional figures and new markets. At this edition of Expo Riva Schuh, the focus will be mainly on European markets, thanks to the presence of a delegation of 26 buyers from 11 countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Hungary, Croatia and the Ukraine), organised with the support of the ICE Agency.
Altogether, Expo Riva Schuh is getting ready to welcome around 13,000 operators from this sector from over 100 countries, making it a true summit meeting for worldwide footwear.
It is not by mere chance that the January fair will also provide the opportunity to evaluate the way the footwear sector is going and the key market trends: this indeed will be the theme for the opening talk which will take place on Saturday 13th January at 11 am in the Meeting Hall at the Riva del Garda Exhibition Centre.
Press release
Expo Riva Schuh
Riva del Garda, 3rd January 2018