In a survey, two thirds of all buyers reported placing advanced orders at GDS. 29% of all German buyers advanced order volumes which were higher than the previous season. The figure among foreign buyers was 19%.
37% of all buyers used GDS to place repeat orders. 62% of all German buyers reported an unchanged repeat order volume for the spring/summer 2012 season compared with the previous season while 22% said volume had increased.
Leather and suede – preferred in cognac or red tones
According to buyers, by far the most important materials for the autumn/winter season were leather and suede. Colour-wise an average of nearly one in two buyers looked to cognac or red/orange tones.
GDS Director, Kirstin Deutelmoser, explains: ‘Our surveys clearly show that German retail focuses heavily on these five themes. Foreign retailers, on the other hand, prefer variety and also look to ‘High Loafers’, ‘Contrast Heels’ and, Rubber Soles’. Though they do all agree on one point: Chelsea Boots’ are the must-haves for next winter.’
Global Shoes boasts a 60% foreign contingent making it particularly international in focus and this time children’s shoes were the season’s big winners. One in three visitors showed an interest in childrens styles. However, women’s (73%) and men’s shoes (44%) were also in high demand.
GDS – International Event for Shoes & Accessories and GlobalShoes – leading trade show for sourcing were held at Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from March 14-16, 2012. A total of 1,206 exhibitors (GDS: 848, Global Shoes: 358) from 44 countries presented the latest shoe and bag styles at the show.
The next GDS / Global Shoes fairs will be held from September 5-7, 2012.
