The upswing of the Düsseldorf shoe trade fair trio GDS/GLS and global shoes & accessories continued:  the three days of the trade fairs were characterized by a busy and satisfied atmosphere, good turnover, avid interest in the presented trends and crowded booths. Compared to the previous year’s event, the number of visitors increased by approximately three percent – 34,000 visitors from 72 countries took part to see and order the collections of 1,382 exhibitors. Almost 50% of the visitors came from countries other than Germany, particularly from the Benelux, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Austria, Russia, Spain and the U.S. Attendees also traveled from as far away as Australia, Japan, Colombia, Panama and South Africa.    

  “With GDS growing by 13% in terms of exhibitors and by 3% in terms of visitors we now know for sure: we are on the right track. All major retailers but also small and medium-sized retailers visited the fairgrounds and have done good business,” remarked Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf.

  “The atmosphere in the halls was noticeably positive. The conceptual changes initiated in the past are producing more and more effects. I rate GDS as a success across the board,” commented Ralph Rieker, Chairman of the Federation of the German Shoe Industry (HDS).

  According to a survey, nine out of ten trade visitors rated the three trade fairs as good to very good and reported that they increased their ordering activities. They were particular pleased with the fashion on display and the extensive ancillary program. Exhibitors were equally pleased: three quarters of them either achieved or exceeded their goals, 91% rated the visitor quality as good to very good and 90% have already decided to return in September.

  

  Representatives from international firms such as Aldo (Canada), Breuninger (Germany), El Corte Inglés (Spain), Hankyu Department Store (Japan), Humanic (Austria), New Paris Londres (Belgium), Notabene (Denmark), Peter Sheppard (Australia), Podium (Russia), Stiefelkönig (Austria), Tervolina (Russia) and The Mosso Group (U.S.) attended the trade fairs.

  “We come to GDS not to have fun but to do business. This trade fair combines the fashion flair so important to us with an extensive choice of exhibitors,” explained Danny Wasserman of Tip Top Shoes from New York . “Here I order the shoes that make my range stand out from my New York competitors.

  “For our demanding clientele we are always in search of new brands and were really surprized by GDS this time. The trade fair has become even more attractive for us because numerous new international exhibitors were presented,” said Paul Prange, General Manager of Prange ( Germany ).

  Julia Yatesenkova, Head of Purchasing for Russita from Russia , added: “We visited the trade for the first time. The wide range on offer justifies every minute of the long journey. For our 42 stores I have discovered many new things at GDS, placing orders with several exhibitors. We will definitely be back in September.

  The next GDS/GLS will be held from September 12 – 14, 2008 in Düsseldorf , Germany . global shoes & accessories will take place from September 11 – 13, 2008 – for the first time not completely parallel with GDS/GLS. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at GDS/GLS 2008 or global shoes & accessories 2008, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America, 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2920 , Chicago , IL 60601 . Telephone: (312) 781-5180; Fax: (312) 781-5188; E-mail: info@mdna.com. Or visit the web site http://www.mdna.com