GDS pulls in the visitors

The 95th GDS International Shoe Fair, which closed in Düsseldorf on March 16, attracted 40,000 trade visitors to its 1,535 exhibitors, who represented 44 countries. Although a creditable number, this was down 2,000 on last September. More than two in three visitors came from outside Germany, which should be considered as good given the difficult global economic climate and the situation in Iraq. According to Andrew King of Grenson Shoes, 'GDS was a highly successful show, particularly the first three days. Not only did we take more written orders than we have for many years, but also the quality of the buyers was very good indeed. Further, the new leads and potential new business could prove to make the show outstanding value.' The 96th GDS will take place in Düsseldorf from September 18-to 21, 2003.