Micam and GDS: stable enough to be happy

By

Anaïs Lerévérend

Published
Aug 31, 2012

The two leading trade fairs in the footwear market are playing more defense than offense. The German GDS and the Italian Micam have both (nearly) managed to maintain their number of exhibitors, apparently satisfactory for both of them. Both organizers, Messe Düsseldorf and ANCI, are talking up the uncertainty that is again impacting the European market this season.

As to GDS, it is pleased to see the number of its exhibitors grow a whole 1%, reaching 860 brands for this edition to be held September 5 – 7. Two areas in shoes are particularly showing an increase in the number of exhibitors.

The premium sector is up 4%, driven by incoming brands like Vivienne Westwood, Coach, Rachel Zoe or second lines such as Versus for Versace and McQ for Alexander McQueen. This is good news for the German show, which is definitely not unhappy about teasing Micam's supremacy on the upscale front.

Children's shoes exhibitors are on the rise at GDS, having increased 16% this year, although of course they do not represent the show's largest contingent. The likes of Petit Nord from Denmark and GBB from France have added their name to the GDS list.

Maybe it is just a coincidence, but Micam is also now growing the children's sector. Or maybe the Milan show is just trying to wake up? The Micam organizers, the National Association of Italian Shoe Manufactures, have announced the creation of a “Kid’s Footwear Concept Store” for this season, a sales venue and entertainment area in the center of the event's children's sector.

Besides this new section, the September 16 – 19 Micam edition will focuses on concepts that are already sure bets. A slight decline of exhibitors brings the fair's total to 1,537, a figure which obviously still makes it the European leader. However, the organizers emphasize an increase in Italian exhibitors, not to be underestimated given the country’s economic situation. After some noticed defections last March, the Micam is able to count on some symbolic returns such as those of Balducci, Pacciotti or Geox, which will present its new line designed by Patrick Cox of Great Britain.