GDS, International Event for Shoes & Accessories, will feature a new concept when it will be held from September 12 – 14, 2008 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf , Germany . After international brands increasingly returned to the trade fair during the past seasons, GDS is using its scheduled move to Halls 1 - 7 to present a fundamental re-launch of its segments: beginning in September, newly classified areas with revised connections will create homogeneous lifestyle worlds and a easier guidance system will offer buyers a further improved and quicker orientation. The hall layout will be based on a clear, modern design. A revised marketing design will highlight the “new GDS”. The GLS trade fair will be completely integrated into GDS and the resulting event will offer a symbiosis between shoes and accessories.

  For nearly a year, the organizer Messe Düsseldorf and various German and international agencies have been working on the new concept. In addition to the needs of the different visitor target groups and the diverse exhibitor preferences, social trends as well as the current changes in the market were taken into consideration when the new concept was developed. Against this backdrop, Messe Düsseldorf has decided to start GLOBAL SHOES, the leading trade fair for sourcing, one day earlier than GDS: GLOBAL SHOES will be held from September 11 - 13 in Halls 8a and 8b.

  “In the past seasons, GDS has experienced a significant change for the better. A large number of renowned international brands have returned to the trade fair and have added significant value to GDS,“ explained Kirstin Deutelmoser, Project Director of GDS and GLOBAL SHOES. “In connection with the impending move to exhibition halls 1 to 7, which guarantees us long-term planning and scheduling security, we have taken the bull by the horns and further structured the presented offer range for our buyers in order to make the “new GDS” even more transparent.” Kirstin Deutelmoser is convinced that, after a short adjustment period, the “new GDS” will be well received by exhibitors and buyers alike: “A fundamental change such as a move to new halls combined with re-structuring measures may not be unanimously approved by all of our customers. In this regard, vision has to turn into reality first. However, I am sure that the “new GDS” in September will prove that the decisions were right and that it will be accepted very well again by the market.”

 

  Major benefits for buyers and visitors at the “new GDS” will be the short distances between the clearly defined product segments and the corresponding time savings. The various segments will be distributed amongst the halls to allow for clear orientation and logical transitions between the different lifestyle worlds. For example, customers mainly interested in Young Fashion can concentrate on Halls 1 - 3. Buyers of fashion and high-fashion shoes in the upper to exclusive price range can focus on Halls 2, 4 and 5. Both customer interest groups will be interested in the white cubes segment in Hall 2, which will feature progressive high-fashion brands that address an exclusive international audience. The large shoe brands for the specialized trade will be clearly arranged and easily accessible in Hall 6.

Overview of the segments of the “new GDS”, starting at the North Main Entrance:

Hall 7.0

bAgCCESS: The independent world of this concept area will present fashionable bags and accessories as important complements for the specialized shoe trade. A specifically developed shopfitting concept provides inspirations for attractive presentation of merchandise and simultaneously creates a representative entrance area within the new hall structure. (Sample brands: Adax, L.Credi, Fiorelli, White Flirt, OWA Moden)

shop & deco: This segment will present innovative ideas for successful product presentation as well as furniture and all-round care products.  (Sample brands: Bergal, Solitaire, Bama, Collonil)

Hall 7a

kidwalk: To present their big trends for little customers, the Kids exhibitors will move into their own hall. Here, the atmosphere of the complete world of children’s shoe brands will be reflected. Because it is located in the entrance area, this segment will benefit from the naturally high visitor frequency. The segment will also feature a modular stand construction system, called “kidwalk concept“. (Sample brands: Camper for Kids, Primigi, Richter, Ricosta, Naturino)

Hall 6

essential: With the major German and European brands in the fashionable mainstream segment, “essential” will represent the foundation of GDS. The quality brands also include functional wellness shoe fashion. (Sample brands: Gabor, Manas, Unisa, Ara, Lloyd, Birkenstock)

Hall 5

superior: This hall, designated for international fashion collections in the medium price range, will show a broad product base, ranging from Casual Wear to Business Look. (Sample brands: Donna Carolina, K&S, Maripe, Pons Quintana)

Hall 4

upper style: In this hall, established premium brands will present their current fashion trends. The focus here will be on sophisticated materials and top workmanship. The segment also features a modular stand construction system, called “upper style concept“. (Sample brands: Lario, Casadei, Attilio Giusti, Lotusse, Aldo Bruè, Pura Lopez)

prime square: Renowned high quality brands will set the tone in this already established concept area. Excellent workmanship, top-quality materials and perfect finish are the hallmarks of the products featured here. (Sample brands: van Bommel, Andes , Lorenzo Banfi, Ruggeri, Dinkelacker)

thePulse: This area will present youthful creativity, selected designers and exciting collections. It will offer attractive showcases in an open design style which were especially created for the presentation of the collections in this segment. (Sample brands: Nancy Dong, Ellen Verbeek, Celine Lafont)

Hall 3

urban fresh: Popular, consumer-oriented lifestyle and fashion brands will present urban shoe fashion. (Sample brands: Mexx, s.Oliver, Skechers, Kangaroos)

urban active: “Style meets Performance“ – this is the fundamental idea of this platform for sporty collections that combine high tech, function, comfort and design. (Sample brands: TBS, Tatonka, Salomon)

design attack: 100 selected design newcomers will display a wild mix of scene-focused lifestyle collections. Each season, design attack offers a new surprising, themed design.

Hall 2

white cubes: The progressive high fashion labels will present themselves to their exclusive, international audience in a separate hall. Within the contemporary, white design elements, this concept area will showcase exclusive collections that have enjoyed success over various seasons. (Sample brands: Joop!, Hugo, Kors by Michael Kors, True Religion, L’Autre Chose)

Hall 1

urban authentic: Based on a new concept, this creative theme world has its own philosophy: “Trend is Tradition”. Cult heritage labels that are true trendsetters will show street and urban wear of the future. (Sample brands: Kickers, Dunlop, Dr. Martens, Converse, Replay)

urban spirit: This segment will be dedicated to urban brands with a clear mission. They present collection philosophies in harmony with nature. In order to give innovative, small labels the opportunity for an easy trade fair presentation, “urban spirit” will also offer a limited number of concept stands. (Sample brands: El Naturalista, ART)

  For further information on visiting or exhibiting at GDS 2008 or GLOBAL SHOES 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