EXPO RIVA SCHUH & GARDABAGS: Strengthened its global leadership and made key announcements
The 102nd edition of EXPO RIVA SCHUH & GARDABAGS, held in Riva del Garda from January 11 to 14, 2025, reaffirmed its position as a key event for the international footwear, leather goods, and accessories industry, despite the current challenging market conditions.
With 1,100 exhibitors from 36 countries and stable attendance of 9,000 visitors -similar to January 2024-, the event stood out for attracting international operators from around 100 countries.
According to Riva del Garda Fierecongressi President -Roberto Pellegrini-, Europe represented 80% of attendees, followed by Asia with 12%, while Africa showed significant growth in participation.
The event also featured delegations from related organizations in Brazil, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, among others. Spanning 50,000 square meters, plus three participating hotels, the exhibition brought together manufacturers and brands, including the representation from Asia, particularly China. Asian exhibitors continued to solidify their position as a competitive option, combining attractive pricing with increasing levels of design and quality.
Selected by EXPO RIVA SCHUH & GARDABAGS, 131 buyers and journalists from 38 countries participated for the first time, promoted by ICE (ITA - Italian Trade Agency), according to the organizers.
“Being the first to open the Winter 2025/26 season is undoubtedly a winning strategy, highly valued by buyers. Even in this 102nd edition, the extensive array of international collections, coupled with suppliers offering both private label and branded production –in a variety of quality and price ranges– has proven to be the key to success,” stated Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi.
This balanced and global offering makes EXPO RIVA SCHUH & GARDABAGS a unique commercial connection hub for the footwear and leather goods industry. A bridge between East and West, strategically located to benefit all participants in the international footwear market. Buyers and manufacturers can optimize costs and time, close deals for high volumes and specialized lines, and establish valuable business connections for the future.
The fair included 19 events focusing on markets and trends. The Highlights Area showcased consumer preferences in footwear, sneakers, handbags, and bags for women and men, attracting notable attendance.
Additionally, advanced distribution solutions were showcased in the Innovation Village Retail, while the Market Focus sessions drew the audience, facilitating connections between supply and demand.
GARDABAGS, dedicated to showcasing leather goods and accessories, will be expanded and renewed for June 2025, occupying pavilions A2 and B2 of the exhibition center. Expectations aim to feature between 80 and 100 exhibiting companies.
The proposal includes a new layout focused on the characteristics of the offerings and exhibitor-visitor interaction, moving away from criteria such as origin, price, or product type.
Specifically, the exhibition will be divided into three sectors: GARDABAGS SOURCING, focused on low-range products for mass markets; GARDABAGS SOURCING4BRIDGE, aimed at mid-range manufacturers collaborating on customized designs; and GARDABAGS BRANDS, specializing in their own branded products.
In June, the expansion of Pavilion B1 will also open, with a new two-story structure planned for 2028.
EXPO RIVA SCHUH & GARDABAGS will reopen from June 14 to 17, 2025, in Riva del Garda, celebrating its 103rd edition with exciting new developments.
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