A new and innovative trade fair format designed to facilitate business exchanges. The carefully balanced selection of exhibitors, identified not by product type, price or origin, but by the characteristics of their offerings and their interaction with buyers, will simplify the search for the ideal business partner.
- In-depth knowledge of mass-market accessories;
- Timely scheduling aligned with buyers’ needs;
- A dedicated hall for bags, small leather goods, accessories and luggage;
- Three distinct areas to help buyers find the suppliers most capable of meeting their demands;
- An Identity Board for every exhibitor.
These elements lay the foundation for the success of the new project, set to enhance Gardabags starting in June 2025.
For over a year, the organisers of Expo Riva Schuh & Gardabags have been working on developing and enhancing the accessories segment of the Riva del Garda event, the leading international trade platform – both in terms of timing and offerings – in the mass-market footwear sector and beyond.
Despite the time of market downturn, the revamped Gardabags is investing in an innovative format setting it apart from any other trade fair proposal. Industry professionals who purchase bags and leather goods, whether specialised buyers or clothing retailers seeking to expand their offerings, are currently engaging with the market by seeking three different types of suppliers. Gardabags aims to provide them with a platform specifically designed to meet these needs.
The solution proposed by Gardabags in catering to the market’s multifaceted nature will be structured into three clearly defined areas:
GARDABAGS SOURCING – Low-range manufacturers catering to buyers operating in the mass-market or high street sectors. They interact with their suppliers to select models and define materials. These buyers are on the lookout for collections striking the right balance between design and price (sellout between €5 and €20). Key values are production capacity, speed and reliability.
GARDABAGS SOURCING4BRIDGE – Mid-range manufacturers (sellout between €50 and €120) with the infrastructure to work closely with buyers who require specific designs to be interpreted and developed. Suppliers capable of working more closely with clients. Experts in private label production.
GARDABAGS BRANDS – Manufacturers presenting their own branded products. They use the fair – which is the first to open each new season – as an opportunity to showcase previews of their collections, test new products and promote new offerings.
A diverse range of companies from the most important international manufacturing districts for bags, small leather goods and accessories will be present in each of these areas, strategically positioned in Halls A2 and B2. Additionally, a dedicated aisle will focus on travel products.
The project aims to offer visitors a wide selection of collections over the course of two years, involving approximately 120 exhibitors and dedicating 2,000 square metres of exhibition space. By June 2025, organizers aim to host between 80 and 100 exhibitors, and then triple those at the fair today (41) in 2026.
The key innovations transforming the revamped Gardabags exhibition space include new set-ups that embrace a more fashion-forward aesthetic and, most notably, an Identity Board for each exhibitor, placed outside their stand to further facilitate buyers’ visits. The board will provide various details, including the location of the exhibitor’s production facilities, product types, monthly production capacity and key clients. This will make it easy for buyers to identify the suppliers best suited to their needs and most capable of meeting their requests.
The comprehensive project, set to revitalise Gardabags starting from June 2025, builds on the solid foundations of Expo Riva Schuh’s expertise. It introduces innovative solutions through an intelligent division of areas designed to be business-friendly, while paying close attention to aesthetics and communication (with a new logo and updated image) to offer buyers a streamlined and enjoyable trade fair and buying experience.
For more details contact: mail@dcintl.in
