DIVERSIFYING WHILE STAYING TRUE TO CORE VALUES
Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags confirm their role as strategic global hubs, focusing on market and product diversification in response to the new balances of Affinity Globalisation. The trade fairs are evolving towards an integrated platform model for the global volume fashion industry.
Over just four days, during the January 2026 edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, a series of events unfolded set to reshape geopolitical and commercial balances. These are the signs of a world changing at great speed, where global assets move faster than maps can be redrawn.
In a landscape that is constantly redefining its shape, direction and priorities, it is essential to rely on established industry benchmarks capable of interpreting change and turning emerging opportunities into competitive advantage.
At Riva del Garda, the spotlight was on Affinity Globalisation – a form of globalisation that is far from disappearing, but is instead transforming. It is becoming increasingly complex, with significant implications for supply chains that are now spreading across a growing number of production countries, creating redundancy. A scenario essentially defined by diversification.
Within this context, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags – as always opening the Autumn/Winter 2026–27 season – once again demonstrated their strength as international hubs for industry networking, commercial exchange, and for interpreting and shaping future scenarios.
JANUARY EDITION: KEY FIGURES
The Riva del Garda event has embodied diversification for decades – a fact clearly confirmed by the figures from the January 2026 edition.
Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, commented: “Attendance reached almost 8,000 visitors, with a contraction in mature markets such as Italy, Germany and France. We recorded significant growth from countries including Poland, Belgium, Slovenia, Georgia and North Macedonia, as well as emerging markets such as Chile, Colombia and Kenya. Particularly noteworthy was the participation of Korean buyers, confirming the fair’s role as a gateway for the development of new markets. We also saw an increase in operators from the e-commerce segment. Some have described the Riva event as the ‘United Colors of Shoes and Bags’. In a world that is increasingly divided, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags bring together the footwear, bags and travel goods sectors in a truly international setting.”
This shift in visitor composition clearly reflects the ongoing political, economic and digital transformations.
Scott Sinclaire, Canadian buyer at East Lake Limited, underlined: “Being able to find such a wide range of designs, materials, suppliers and price points will allow me to differentiate myself from competitors.” The theme of diversification once again takes centre stage.
Marta Artigas, designer at Spain’s BCN Design Studio, highlighted the value of the Gardabags project: “I am confident that the new format and the variety of the offer on display will establish the fair as the key reference point for leather goods and luggage. It is an unmissable event.”
EVENTS
For Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, ‘diversification’ has become a guiding principle when it comes to events, too. Providing not only an excellent opportunity to close deals and forge partnerships, but also insight into trends and markets while strengthening professional networking, has now become a firmly established objective.
The footwear, sneaker and bag consumer trends presented in the Highlights Area, developed in collaboration with Arsutoria, have enjoyed growing success. All sessions held over the four days of the fair were consistently sold out.
Strong attendance was also recorded at the Market Focus sessions, which explored market outlooks across the Americas, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
To assess the success of the Innovation Village Retail, we turn to the words of Kenyan entrepreneur Grace Mbugua of Jeilo Leather Collections, who attended the fair both as a manufacturer and as a buyer: “Understanding the opportunities offered by the many technological innovations presented by the startups at the fair is essential for all companies wanting to grow and overcome the ongoing frictions and challenges of today’s market.”
Among the most groundbreaking solutions was that of Solaya, winner of the Startup Competition, recognised for its ability to deliver practical, scalable and high-impact solutions to support the evolution of the market. Thanks to this award, the French startup will have the opportunity to exhibit at the next edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, strengthening its international visibility and opening up new business opportunities. Solaya enables e-commerce brands – and beyond – to create professional visual content using iPhone technology and advanced 3D modelling. The app instantly generates accurate product photos and videos, lifestyle imagery and advertising creativity, fully aligned with brand identity, reducing costs and accelerating omnichannel content production.
Finally, a detail that may appear minor but in fact highlights the attention to detail that distinguishes Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags: the trophy awarded to the Startup Competition winner was produced by Belemi’s Hub, a Trentino-based startup. 3D-printed using plant-based PLA, the award is designed to be sustainable: bio-based materials, low-temperature printing, reduced energy consumption and ease of recycling. It is a contribution that strengthens the link between the trade fair and its local area, showcasing local expertise in dialogue with international innovation.
” This Edition worked reasonably well for us. We received a few solid enquiries and are optimistic about converting them. We look forward to returning for the next edition in June.” Aman Gill, Director – Elements Exports.
Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags went further, building on this well-established initiative. They also introduced the Showcase Area, where visitors were able to admire the most representative models from Gardabags exhibitors, and the Garda Trentino Lounge, created to welcome the press while simultaneously promoting the Garda Trentino area.
“Fantastic show, good leeds, very well organized and managed. We would love to be back in june.” Manpreet Singh, Director – Bazaar connection
“Interestingly, this was the first time I found myself relying on Google Translate during meetings. It was a clear sign of a new wave of buyers on the floor: not necessarily large players, but highly committed ones, with some having travelled all the way from Paraguay. When buyers cross continents , you know the show has reach.” Shehla Raza, Director – Ilahi Exim, Kolkata
The return and success of Expo Riva Nights further confirmed the desire of the Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags community to build strong and lasting relationships even in relaxed and informal settings.
” Overall satisfactory for us. We received new enquiries and several existing buyers visited. We look forward to participate in the June’26 edition.” Ajeet Kumar – Director Color Solutions, Kanpur
” We were exhibiting for the first time in Gardabags exhibition. Dipika and Amit had invited us in this fair and for the first time it was fully worth it. From transportation’s facilities to buyers response, all were great in all and I would exhibit next time as well.” Umair – Director – Creative Pelt, Kolkata.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The term ‘diversification’ also featured in the address by Roberto Pellegrini, Chairman of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi: “Our future is already mapped out: the event will no longer be just a footwear and bags trade fair, but will evolve into the global hub for volume fashion. This transformation will be driven by product diversification, offering buyers and manufacturers practical answers to industry needs.”
This forward-looking approach to both the industry and the event speaks more powerfully than any figures in highlighting Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags’ continued role as the international benchmark for the world of accessories and fashion.
The next edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, featuring the latest industry innovations, will take place from 13 to 16 June 2026.
