EFICA surprises with better-than-expected results
Several factors contributed to the positive outcomes of EFICA, the exhibition of Argentine footwear manufacturers. There was increased buyer confidence due to inflation control measures, a commitment to continue consumption, albeit constrained by reduced stocks, and the basic need for new products at the start of the Spring-Summer season all played a part.
The event took place at Costa Salguero in Buenos Aires from Sunday, June 30th, to July 2nd. The choice of Sunday as the opening day was made with attendees from the interior in mind, allowing them to travel without missing a workday. Sunday saw the highest attendance, while sales momentum was maintained on Monday and Tuesday despite a slight decrease.
With 220 stands from over 100 footwear producers, the exhibition showcased new Spring-Summer collections to more than 3,000 visitors, including retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and representatives from commercial chains. Foreign operators, especially from Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Peru, were notably present.
Among the factors contributing to EFICA's success were an intensive pre-fair advertising and dissemination campaign; the general layout of the stands, with a good level of designs; and the quality of the collections, where greater development was observed in modeling, with very updated aesthetic parameters and good product development. This combination satisfied traders who found a wide variety of footwear and multiple purchasing options.
Damián Gravagna. GRAVAGNA and FANGIO
"The fair had a very good turnout. We worked well with our local customers and also received visitors from Uruguay, Paraguay, and Peru. Buyers seemed calm and confident in their search for new products to start the season. Purchases were rational, considering the current market situation. I'm particularly impressed by the attractive and tidy aesthetics of the stands, with collections that demonstrated a high degree of development, leaving buyers satisfied. In our case, we presented the new footwear brand VALERIA MAZZA, incorporating the participation of the renowned model, which is a source of pride for our company."
Gustavo Barbaro. GIORGIO BENETI
"The fair surprised me positively. I liked the stands and the products exhibited. We came with moderate expectations given the country's situation, but the results exceeded our forecasts. Many of our customers attended, and we even made new ones. While sales volumes weren't as high as in previous fairs, they were quite good. Overall, we're satisfied with the results achieved."
Javier Farinella. FH Calzados
"We had a very positive impression of the fair. People seemed more upbeat, both exhibitors and traders. Sunday, the first day, had the highest number of visitors, and we had good sales. Activity was slightly lower on Monday and Tuesday. However, without being large quantities, we had good sales, with prospects for restocking. I believe many of our colleagues also did well overall, and we consider the fair a success despite the country's situation."
Horacio Moschetto. Secretary of the Chamber of Footwear Industry of Buenos Aires -CIC-.
"We're very pleased because it was a great fair with attendance from buyers across the country and good sales, which bodes well for the coming months. I know of exhibitors who conducted interesting transactions. Hopefully, this sets the stage for a good season."
The Autumn/Winter 2025 season will be presented at the 111th edition of EFICA, from November 24 to 26, 2024, at Centro Costa Salguero.
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