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The Shoe Show London, running nicely alongside other London based shoe events every season at the Copthorne Tara Hotel is a close-knit, intimate affair which attracts buyers who enjoy the relaxing showroom feel and know the handful of brands they want to see. This season saw a few newcomers and plenty back for good. We were there to speak to some of the exhibitors.
“We were showing at another show last season, but we came back to the Tara for obvious reasons: we always do good business here.” Said Robert Cole of signature ballet pump brand Riva “We have opened seven new accounts in just three days and many of these in towns we have not previously been represented in, which is very promising.”
Riva have moved on somewhat from their previous staple look of beautiful ballet pumps in various styles. This season saw a whole range of styles including the brand new flexi sole unit, showcasing at the Copthorne Tara.
“There has also been a great reaction on boots for repeat in-stock and short order. All round, a positive event.”
Newcomer to the Shoe Show London, Mephisto, were fairly pleased with the results of the show, opening several new accounts:
“The Shoe Show London and other smaller shows are relevant to a certain end of the market, particularly the smaller end boutiques and stores that stock just a handful of shoes.” Said Andrew King from the brand.
With comfort increasingly become a strong market to be in, Mephisto did exceptionally well with their super soft cork sandals and walking boots, all with a newer, younger appeal to them.
Similarly, six new accounts were written for French brand Azuree who displayed some wonderful Swaroski glitzy styles aimed at the top end market, highlighting the broad appeal of the event.
“It was a positive show, but certainly not as busy as some in the past” highlighted Ray Brown from Ray Brown Agencies. “It is reflective of the state of trade at the moment, but we have managed to sell a lot still.”
Styles across the board ranged from moulded wedges, wooden block heels, crystal and jewelled shoes, ballet flats, foot bed sandals and a great number of dressy shoes with bags to match for occasional wear.
“We have sold well on Ballerina pumps and espadrilles as well as loafers. Animal prints have also been strong.” said Graham Davies representing Cefalu and Ellie.d “Patent is obviously holding strong as the look for next season too.”
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