INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Increased visitor participation at
Igedo Fashion Fairs Düsseldorf 2007
CHICAGO — The Igedo Fashion Fairs Düsseldorf recently closed with a 5 percent increase in visitor participation.
 According to estimates from the organizer, the Igedo Company, more than 45,000 international visitors attended the CPD, HMD, Body Look and Global Fashion fairs (compared to 42,798 at the previous event).
The proportion of international visitors rose slightly to 34 percent and the participation from Eastern European buyers almost doubled. A total of 1,825 exhibitors from 52 nations showcased their collections at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany. These results indicate that the Igedo Fashion Fairs continue their upward development.
“The past three days were an important signal to the market. The reviving economy finally seems to be injecting new life into the fashion sector,” said Frank Hartmann, Managing Director of the Igedo Company. “The mood at the stands was noticeably more positive and confident than one could have expected given the warm winter now almost over and the increase in Value Added Tax.” With the trade fair location Düsseldorf on an upward trend for the third consecutive season, “We are on the right track, things are looking up again.”
The four independent trade fairs benefited from the synergies and visitors used the concurrent staging of the four events to gather information beyond their core range, allowing them to extend their ranges.
Conceptual Improvements at CPD
A new hall layout and design, more harmonious presentation overall and a clear structure contributed considerably to CPD’s higher ratings. A total of 1,120 exhibitors displayed their 2007/08
Autumn/Winter collections in 13 segments. Generating particular interest was the return of numerous manufacturers (such as Goldix, Lebek and Eugen Klein) from their showrooms to the exhibition center. Firms with a showroom presence used their attendance in the segments “The Room” and “Concept 11” to gain exclusive access to international buyers. Exhibitors in the “Style & Signatures” segment were also very pleased and praised the high number of visitors in the hall. Specialist clothing retailers (72 percent ) were by far the largest group of visitors at CPD. Volume-buying retailers as well as new types of distribution business and retail trading each accounted for about 10 percent of the attendees. According to Wolfgang May, Director of Domestic Trade Fairs at the Igedo Company: “As the flagship of the Igedo Fashion Fairs, CPD has confirmed its key significance as an orders platform. Stands were very busy. A very large majority of exhibitors were very satisfied with the trade fair.”
HMD – Buyers Demand a Central Trade Fair Platform
HMD – Herrenmode Düsseldorf remains Germany’s only international menswear trade fair. The 100 exhibitors presented a convincing range, especially in the pants, knitwear and separates segments. The Galeria Uomo segment for fashion in the high-end price range was highly rated. Exhibitors and buyers were satisfied with the business, but requested that HMD should be further expanded. “For two seasons now our concept has offered the sector a self-contained concept,” explained Wolfgang May. “As a trade fair company, the Igedo Company can only offer the platform and the concept. This also includes global marketing and a comprehensive range of services. The Igedo Fashion Fairs are an ideal forum for menswear. However, a menswear trade fair can only be successful for all involved if there is corresponding input from the production side.”
Body Look: Successful Despite Date Overlap with SIL
The 135 exhibitors at Body Look were satisfied, especially with the increase in visitor numbers: despite the date overlap with the Salon International de la Lingerie (SIL) in Paris, over 10,000 trade visitors came to Düsseldorf to gather information on the latest collections for the 2007/08 season (previous event: 3,500). Buyers attending included 3,800 representatives from dedicated lingerie-only stores as well as 5,000 clothing stores. In addition, almost 1,000 buyers from flagship stores, some from Paris, attended the Düsseldorf event. New visitor participation increased by 26.6 percent compared to the July 2006 event (and by almost 70 percent compared to the February 2006 event). “Especially given the date clash with SIL, Body Look has significantly exceeded our expectations,” commented Frank Hartmann. “The event has developed exceptionally in Düsseldorf and it is now even strengthening the Igedo Fashion Fairs as a whole.” A good 20 percent of the visitors who formerly only attended the Düsseldorf showrooms, came to the fairgrounds.
Global Fashion – Crucial for Sourcing Management
With its 470 exhibitors from 17 nations, the Global Fashion event further reinforced its position as Europe’s most important marketplace for sourcing and production. Due to its independent presentation this special trade fair is a meeting point for specialists in the field of sourcing management from the industry and large scale retail as well as importers and an increasing number of wholesalers looking for international production suppliers. The noticeably higher visitor attendance and further improved visitor quality was praised by the exhibitors. To a greater extent than at last year’s event, visitors came in search of new suppliers/products for women’s wear as well as for men’s and children’s wear.
The next Igedo Fashion Fairs will be held from July 22 – 24, 2007 in Düsseldorf, Germany. In 2008, the dates will be February 10 – 12 and July 27 – 29. For further information on visiting or exhibiting at the Igedo Fashion Fairs, 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.
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