After an upbeat market week in New York City this past June, many in the footwear industry are looking forward to keeping the positive momentum going into August.
Indeed, while inflation and uneven consumer demand are not yet entirely in the rear view, brands and retailers appeared to display “more optimism” than expected earlier this summer — some even making comparisons of “feeling like 2019 again” as a sense of normalcy in the industry prevails.
Here, organizers of some of the footwear community’s largest trade shows discuss what to expect at their next shows, how to make the most of their events and more.
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FFANY
Show dates: Aug. 5-9
Sandi Mines, vice president, corporate engagement, FDRA & FFANY
What to expect at the upcoming show: “There are so many shows happening in and around August that, just by nature, this is a smaller show for us. In terms of the dates, it’s typically busiest on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. People might come for a day and a half or two days. We encourage the brands to show up however is best for them. The cocktail party, on Aug. 6 at Bryant Park Grill, helps bring everyone together, and they can network and meet new people. Over the past few years, it has gained great momentum, and there are a lot of retailers at the event, so it brings out a lot of brands. It’s casual, it’s fun and it’s at a pretty cool spot overlooking Bryant Park.”
How to make the most of the event: “Check out the website, FFANY.org. Prepare beforehand, get in touch with your brands or your retailers, depending on who you are. Stay in a hotel that’s convenient to the 50s on the west side, so it’s easy to get in and around that area and to all the showrooms. Set up your own dinners and cocktails and breakfasts for meet and greets. And then come to the cocktail party!”
How retailers are shopping differently: “People use their time very wisely. Retailers are way more efficient than they’ve ever been. They’re not walking around looking at things. That makes it more challenging for new brands hoping to get in front of the big retail groups. And you’ve got to show up. Even if it’s not your time now and you’re thinking, ‘oh, in the future,’ come and see what it looks like and get in touch with us. That’s what we do — we help companies grow.”
What we’re doing to improve the experience: “We really put a lot of effort into our online directory, and it is by far the hottest webpage that we have for the two weeks leading up to any market. We tried to keep it very simple and clear and direct on that page.”
Magic / Project / Coterie
Show dates: Aug. 19-21 (Las Vegas); Sept. 22-24 (New York)
Kelly Helfman, president, Mmgnet Group
What to expect at the upcoming shows: “There are so many exciting things coming up, starting with Las Vegas, where you can expect to see new collections from top trend and young contemporary designers. We always have a robust education lineup covering next season’s trends, tips on operating your business, women’s health and wellness as it relates to fashion, and so much more. At Project, the skate community has been growing on our show floor. This season, we will host Adidas Skateboard, Nike SB, New Balance Numeric and Brooklyn Projects, to name a few. And at Coterie this September, we are happy to share that Beyond Yoga and footwear from SJP by Sara Jessica Parker will be showcasing along with some of our favorites Favorite Daughter and AG Jeans.”
How to make the most of the events: “Whether you are an exhibitor or buyer, a first-time attendee or seasoned pro, I always recommend planning and mapping out your schedule based on your goals. It’s equally important to leave time to walk the aisles to discover something new. We offer several opportunities to meet with like-minded professionals at our networking events throughout the duration of the show. You can find the full schedule of events on our website.”
How retailers are shopping differently: “Buyers have become much more conscious when it comes to purchasing decisions. They are looking to continue to stock their stores with consistent best sellers, but also with new and emerging brands, especially those with a great brand story or sustainable practices. Recently, we have seen more buyer interest in stocking more international brands and offering their customers a mix of different price points based on consumer trends. This gives the retailer a unique assortment that stands out.”
What we’re doing to improve the show experience: “We are always talking to customers and listening to their needs. We take that feedback and from that, make actionable change. This season, we have created tailored niche communities in collaboration with trend curators to enhance the overall merchandising of the show. We have also expanded our matchmaking opportunities, customer experience programs and retail concierge. From the time a brand or buyer arrives at one of our events, we want to ensure everyone has a positive experience.”
Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market
Show dates: Aug. 13-16
Cindy Morris, president and CEO, Dallas Market Center
What to expect at the upcoming show: “August is a big show for us across our 1 million-square-foot fashion marketplace. The Apparel & Accessories Market will include a new location for footwear temps on the 13th floor as we continue to invest in its growth this year and into 2025. The footwear location is immediately adjacent to both temporary exhibits for apparel and accessories, as well as permanent showrooms for footwear, apparel and accessories. The August show also takes place at the same time as WESA’s Western/English Apparel & Equipment show and KidsWorld. We also host AETA, a show for the business of English riding and lifestyle, at the same time.”
How to make the most of the event: “Buyers and exhibitors can invest some time ahead of the show to make the most of the show. For buyers, especially those new to Dallas, that includes studying the website, making appointments, downloading the app and planning their show strategy so their time is well spent. By the way, that also includes leaving time for discovery across multiple floors, given the number of exhibitors and brands we showcase. For exhibitors, that homework includes working with our team on marketing opportunities and lead generation, setting appointments — and for new exhibitors, we have new onboarding tutorials and guides.”
How retailers are shopping differently: “I can’t overstate the fact that as retailers’ merchandise mix has broadened to stand out from the competition, they are seeking an inspiring and efficient marketplace to survey trends and source across multiple categories. That includes women’s and men’s apparel, accessories and footwear, but might also include baby products and even gifts like candles or holiday decor. It’s all available in Dallas.”
What we’re doing to improve the show experience: “Just like a good retail merchant, we are always looking at ways to create a marketplace that drives engagement and orders. We listen intently to our retailers and exhibitors. We study other events and retail experiences. And we try new ideas. That’s why for August we will have a new location for footwear.”
Micam Milano
Show dates: Sept. 15-17
Giovanna Ceolini, president, Assocalzaturifici
What to expect at the upcoming show: “Micam has always been the platform where footwear companies not only present a preview of their collections but — thanks to an international audience of operators — they make business opportunities a reality. We are working on defining the new features of this edition, both on the exhibition side and on the conference side. We will certainly have an even more relevant Micam X area, where the most urgent themes for the sector will be discussed, starting with the future of retail and sustainability.”
How to make the most of the event: “The development of the Trends’ Buyer Guide is proving to be a great success. More than 5,000 copies are downloaded with each edition. It is a free tool that we make available to buyers in collaboration with Livetrend. The buyers thus have in their hand a real shopping guide with the must-haves of the season.”
What we’re doing to improve the show experience: “Through direct contact with companies in the sector, we try to set up an event that is increasingly in line with the needs of professionals in the sector, previewing the collections of more than 1,000 international brands and the best of Made in Italy — and defining a program of events that meets the demands of exhibitors and buyers with the aim of always creating new stimuli and opening up to the future.”
