From January 30 to February 1, 2005, the PRE-GDS footwear show will be staged for the first time as a parallel event to cpd woman_man in Düsseldorf. This combination now brings together the entire outfit industry: from head to toe, for women, men and children.

The synergy will offer new distribution channels. Shoe retailers will get full information on the fashion themes of the forthcoming season, allowing them to better target their purchasing. Fashion retailers will get added stimuli for complementing their product range with shoes and, at the same time, plan and arrange their flash programmes.

PRE-GDS will allow manufacturers and retailers to match trends and dialogue between both partners will intensify. With the GDS International Shoe Fair following six weeks later, adequate new delivery timings can be established, resulting in a new value-creation process for footwear, providing high order safety. The staggered timing of this fashion marketing approach is a means to prevent risk maximisation, price decline and narrowing of sales possibilities.

‘Easy booking’ will be the buzz word for exhibitors who have access to practical, appealing and fully equipped stands, with sizes between 15 and 60sq m. The additional PRE-GDS event gives consideration to the changes in the industry by establishing new order intervals.

More information on GDS activities is available at: [http://www.gds-online.com]