GDS will take place in early September 2017, from Sunday to Tuesday.
For the September edition of GDS, Messe Düsseldorf and the Advisory Board have agreed on new dates. GDS will be held in early September with a new order of days – from Sunday to Tuesday – closer to the actual season.
The footwear sector continues to move: consumer behaviour is changing; online-only players and vertical operations are altering their retail structures. A trade show has to react to such changes, explains Werner Matthias Dornscheidt, president and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf. “Three years ago, we agreed with trade and industry to pitch GDS as a communications and information platform at earlier dates – in keeping with the then status quo. Many things have happened in the meantime and the shoe market is highly dynamic. Whoever you talk to, all confirm that the market is governed by great insecurity. Even though the needs of individual market players vary extremely, one insight emerged clearly throughout in-depth conversations with the extended circle of advisors: the sector wishes to have a strong, international GDS.
There are several objectives to consider. The industry has decided that whilst GDS should remain an important base for the exchange of information – a place where the industry can present its brand values – at the same time, placing/taking orders should move more centre stage.
Dornscheidt continued: “In view of the market changes the sector also feels that it is important to have GDS moved closer to the season. This is why we have decided, together with the extended Advisory Board, to hold the Summer 2017 GDS in early September. Furthermore, the trade show will be held from Sunday to Tuesday in order to accommodate smaller-sized retailers.”
Messe Düsseldorf will publish further information and details concerning the summer edition of GDS in early December.
At the GDS held from 7 to 9 February, Messe Düsseldorf expects more than 700 brands to exhibit their international collections based around three lifestyle worlds: HIGHSTREET, POP UP and STUDIO. In addition to this, there will be an informative trend programme. Held concurrently with GDS will be tag it! featuring approximately 150 exhibitors.
