Positive signs at Footwear UK

Mainstream fashion footwear show Footwear UK held from 7-9 August at the Birmingham NEC was buzzing throughout the three days with attendance figures exceeding last year's August event say organisers DEW Events. 'Retail buyers demonstrated very positive support for the show' said director David Wilkins. 'The show was 10% bigger than in August 04 with quite a number of exhibitors asking for larger stands next year. But perhaps more importantly, brand participation was the best ever. Quality brands bring quality buyers and we're seeing a new breed of retailer coming to the show. The number of new businesses registering was also significantly higher than we've seen for some time and the general feeling among exhibitors is that we're getting the right people there and that the mood is positive'. Josef Seibel managing director Martin Ingram said 'Footwear UK remains a focal point for the industry, attracting a broad cross-section of representatives.' Rockport similarly said the show was the best Footwear UK they had seen in five years.