Exhibitors from Spain, totaling 56 companies representing 80 brands, participate in Expo Riva Schuh under the umbrella of the Federation of the Spanish Footwear Industry (FICE), with backing from ICEX Spain Export and Investment. The Garda Bags edition takes place in Riva del Garda from January 13 to 16, 2024, featuring a notable concentration of Alicante participants, 34 in total, with 19 joining from Elche. This overview reflects the fair’s enduring role as a leading international platform for a broad range of mid-market footwear offerings and its integrated Garda Bags showcase within the Palafisi complex.
Expo Riva Schuh marks a milestone edition, celebrating its 100th year as a premier international venue for mid-range footwear. The event, organized by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, unfolds across the Exhibition Center and showroom spaces distributed throughout the city’s hotels. In this edition, Palavela and the central Convention Center reopen, signaling a refreshed venue experience for attendees.
Industry insiders note that the fair serves as the first global event of the season to preview the winter 24/25 shoe collections, offering visitors a comprehensive preview and the ability to plan orders well in advance. For exhibitors, this event presents an early opportunity to test concepts, gauge interest, and refine production timelines. It also serves as a last major stop for Summer 24 campaign orders as trends, new arrivals, and restocked lines are rolled out in the run-up to the new year.
The Garda Bags segment, now in its eleventh edition, features dedicated bag exhibitions across multiple Palafisi pavilions, providing a focused space for accessories within the broader fair ecosystem.
Looking ahead to January 2024, the fair anticipates about 1,300 exhibitors from 42 countries, underscoring the event’s scale and its appeal to a global audience. The show reached a sell-out status for this edition, highlighting the high demand for space among participating brands. Among the nations represented, China leads with about 250 companies, followed by a strong presence from Italy, India, Turkey, Spain, Brazil, Germany, and Portugal.
Attendance at the last edition reached around 9,000 visitors from 103 countries, reflecting a 12.5% increase year over year and signaling robust international interest. European attendees accounted for roughly 80% of the visitor mix, indicating the fair’s regional importance in the European market while attracting a diverse global crowd.
Spain remains a significant participant with 56 exhibitors and 80 brands, though some companies faced space constraints and could not secure booth space. The overall goal remains clear: revitalize footwear markets that have slowed since the second half of the previous year. Industry forecasts for the new year anticipate continued momentum as buyers seek updated styles and retailers adjust to evolving consumer preferences.
In summary, Expo Riva Schuh and Garda Bags continue to be a strategic hub for product discovery, trend validation, and immediate order planning for the winter season. The event’s combination of traditional showroom spaces, expanding hotel-based exhibitions, and the dedicated accessory focus in Garda Bags ensures a comprehensive experience for buyers and sellers alike as they navigate a market poised for renewed activity in North America and beyond. This environment supports brand visibility, cross-border trade, and the ongoing push to bring fresh designs to markets in Canada, the United States, and other global channels based on current and forecasted demand.