Defying the crisis: 1,870 collections at GDS Show

12 Feb '09

4 min read

The entire world talks about the crisis but the 107th GDS – International Event for Shoes & Accessories dauntlessly confronts it. All in all about 800 exhibitors from 29 countries will be presenting approx. 1,870 collections for the 2009/10 Autumn/Winter season at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from 13 to 15 March 2009.

This means that GDS posts 3% less visitors against the previous event but considering the current situation in the global shoe business GDS makes an unmistakeable statement: it is possible to confront the crisis and to elude the downward spiral felt everywhere. In times like these GDS has a key role to perform as a sectoral forum.

Summing up Ralph Rieker, Chairman of the Central Association of the Shoe Industry (HDS), said: “2009 will not be easy for many in our industry. There will be some “clearing up” to do and many are paralysed. What we need today is ideas and new concepts. Here trade fairs are the perfect location for trade and industry to exchange, to take new courage and to provide new momentum. We have probably never needed GDS as much as we do today.”

“In troubled times like these GDS is a driver and “beacon” for the entire industry,” said Kirstin Deutelmoser, Director of GDS, and added: “More than ever before it offers all forms of trade a strong platform, not only for gathering information on the latest trends but also for scouting new trends, comparing merchandise and drawing inspiration.

And just as important: a place to get the sector talking to each other. Information and dialogue can be a life assurance policy in times like these. Only those actively exchanging ideas on and tackling the current developments can see opportunities in the crisis. So coming to Düsseldorf in March will be worth its while.”

Comprehensive Accompanying Programme Provides Retailers with Guidance This season GDS attaches special importance to information since the international retail trade is more reliant on well-researched background information on trends and market developments than ever. The programme of hands-on events will once again include trend lectures, workshops and roundtables as well as a wide choice of fashion shows.

British top model Lily Cole, who already worked for Chanel, Christian Lacroix, Hermès, Jean Paul Gautier, Versace and John Galliano, to name but a few, will open GDS on the Friday at the Upper Style Show. Beyond this, the GDS Trend Show, Urban Fashion & Kids Show as well as the “Winter Wonderland – Germany's Best” show organised by DSI – the German Shoe Institute – will stage the footwear trends for the coming season.

In terms of contents the Order Information seminar by TextilWirtschaft, the lectures and workshops of the Amsterdam Trend Agency Y Trends, the Modeurop Fashion Forecast, the “Kids' Business Brunch“ on the topic winning and retaining children and young people as customers plus numerous other events such as those by the “schuhkurier” magazine and Ars Arpel will provide the impulses so urgently needed by the industry today.

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