Shoes Dusseldorf successfully showcases 590 brands in Germany

In addition to buyers from the neighbouring countries, including Benelux and Austria, retailers also travelled to Dusseldorf from Italy, Canada, Palestine, Portugal, Scandinavia, Turkiye, and Ukraine, to name but a few countries, to place their orders for Autumn/Winter 2023-24, organiser Messe Frankfurt said in a press release.

“Shoes Dusseldorf is by far the most beautiful trade show of them all,” said Sylvia Klemens of Waldlaufer.

In addition to the line-up of high-fashion and high-quality shoes for women, men, and children, buyers also appreciated the possibility at Shoes Dusseldorf to find and order complementing products, such as accessories and fashion pieces for their stores. “The outfit idea is centre stage here. We view it as our task to give footwear retailers ideas of how to further upgrade and emotionalise their stores by means of fashion and accessories,” said Igedo director Ulrike Kahler, summing up the brief for a successful trade show. The motto ‘move on’ is taken literally.

“We are not standing still either. We constantly evolve—with the aim of offering retail a curated line-up of ranges and a perfect place for orders, communication, and networking,” added Kahler.

The many small, openly designed stands at the event invited visitors to discover new labels. Innovation and inspiration also featured at the Kids Corner, which was designed like a concept store in cooperation with the organiser Squares.

The trade show’s media events also met with a positive response be it trend lectures, the HDS/L press conference, or the presentation of the HDS/L Junior Award 2023 to two creative designers from the shoe city of Pirmasens—at the Shoes Dusseldorf industry and media representatives of distinction get-together.

Last but not least the dates of Shoes Dusseldorf are perfect. “We will also stick to these in future,” affirmed Kahler. The next edition of Shoes Dusseldorf will be held at Areal Bohler from August 27–29, 2023.

Lewin Berner, managing partner/CEO, Sioux Holding GmbH, said: “We were very satisfied, had a consistently well-frequented booth, and definitely a busy time. We consider Shoes Dusseldorf to be an important institution. That’s why we make the brand tangible here and do a lot to ensure that the presentation is attractive to our visitors. After all, as an industry we can’t give the retailers cheap advice to do more on the floor and at the same time present our shoes on white Ikea shelves.

“We would like to also see one or two competitors make more of their appearance at Shoes Dusseldorf. Shoes Dusseldorf offers itself as a platform for this, after all, we all want a strong national trade fair that attracts visitors from all over Germany and from neighbouring European countries.”

“We like being here and we’ll always be glad to come back. We appreciate Shoes Dusseldorf for the exchange with retailers and colleagues. In addition, we have also gained new customers, including from textile retail,” said Michael Schreiber, managing director Cinque Shoes & Herrlicher.

“It is important to be here. Not only in terms of orders but also, in view of the enormous challenges in the market. There is so much to be talked about,” said Michele Mimo, sales agent Cinzia Valle.

“This is our first time at Shoes Dusseldorf with Cole Haan. Our location and also the response was very good. What is noticeable, however, is that most of the business cards are of international origin,” Christian Ast, commercial director at Central Europe Cole Haan.

“We are satisfied. Our activities for Rexor’s 70th anniversary have been well received. One thing is for sure—the trade must manage a lot of tasks now. But those who come here are the proactive ones,” said Gunter Neunaber, managing director at Rexor Shoe Purchasing Association.

“We really appreciate the show, because here we find everything in one place. We have neither the time nor the mood to travel from showroom to showroom,” said Carsten Obermeier, managing director Neumann Schuhe, Hanover.

“The first day was great, the second day was also fine. It is important to have a presence at Shoes Dusseldorf beyond our Dusseldorf showroom, because this is where people make chance acquaintances. This is where we gain new clients,” said Ralf Butz, owner of Agents of Shoes & Accessories.

“It is always worth coming to Dusseldorf. Shoes Dusseldorf is of great importance to us and a place of inspiration,” said Klaudia Werdin, owner of Schuh & Mode Leukers, Straelen.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)