Riviera shows good growth in second year

By

Anaïs Lerévérend

Published
Sep 1, 2014

Riviera is proving itself. After a successful launch in September 2013, the Mode City satellite fair will hold its second edition in Cannes on September 7–8.

This time around the fair is still located on the Palm Beach terrace but also in an adjoining room with 110 booths for a total of 172 brands exhibiting a coordinated selection of swimwear, beachwear and accessories.

The numbers represent an increase in exhibitors by 25 percent, the maximum according to organizers. "This is an increase in the number of brands already a bit above our targets. We do not want to go too fast either. To expand a trade fair very quickly requires that visitor numbers keep pace, too," said Anne-Lise Thauvin, in charge of the fair at Eurovet.

The organizers did not announce visitor numbers last year, but are hoping for a 20 percent increase this edition, despite a difficult summer for the sector caused by bad weather.

To increase the visitor gate, Eurovet redoubled its efforts to reach French, Italian and Spanish retailers but is also focusing on a new type of buyer profile: the fashion multibrand on the Côte d'Azur.

To lure such buyers to the show, Riviera is betting on a diversity of products, in addition to its local roots and later dates to accommodate southern retailers’ sales calendars.

Half of the exhibitors are participating for the first time, and 50 percent of these newcomers have never even exhibited at Mode City in Paris. The show's second edition has maintained the balance between medium and high-end brands, even a good balance of designers, but also has included specialized brands and corsetry in the mix. While women's swimwear is in the majority, the show also offers more products for men, children and accessories.

Newcomers include names like designer Joy de Villaret, the Inès de la Fressange license as well as brands Grain de Sable, Jour après lune, Foah, Pull-In, and Aquabazar Genius.