ILM Essential final report

As yet there has been no substantial breakthrough at the ILM Essential. On the one hand there was a more optimistic mood in the trade, on the other hand there was a lower number of visitors than had been expected. Interest focused on novelties with basics and bags for midsummer and holiday season. ILM Essentials, in Offenbach, Germany, at the end of January, was the first of three International Leather Goods Fairs in 2005. It took a more subdued course than had been expected at the beginning of the year. 187 exhibitors from 17 countries were represented at this fair, showing their up-to-date collections of leathergoods, bags, and travel articles. With around 3,700 visitors, attendance fell short of expectations and the corresponding fair a year before (3,900). On a more positive note, more than 23% of the trade visitors came from overseas, representing 40 countries worldwide. Despite the drop in the number of visitors, many exhibitors were satisfied with the course of the fair. Coinciding with the right time for ordering, suppliers of travel articles, school, and outdoor goods, and companies offering the latest bags for midsummer months, were able to take advantage of the slightly rising mood in consumption and booked light increases compared to the preceding year. It was apparent, however, that part of the trade hoping for new fashion ideas is waiting for the coming ILM Winter Styles for autumn/winter which will take place in Offenbach on April2-4, 2005. An intermediate date in July will not take place in 2005. The season for spring/summer 2006 will be heralded by the ILM Summer Styles taking place from September 29 to October 2, 2005.