GALLERY SHOES. International Tradeshow for Shoes & Accessories 27 th 29 th August 2017 in Düsseldorf

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1 GALLERY SHOES International Tradeshow for Shoes & Accessories 27 th 29 th August 2017 in Düsseldorf A new start for the international shoe business in Düsseldorf: from Sunday to Tuesday, 27 th 29 th August 2017, the first GALLERY SHOES will be taking place in Düsseldorf. This means that Düsseldorf s heritage as an internationally renowned trade fair location, dating back more than 60 years, will be preserved and led safely into the future in a new setting under new management. GALLERY SHOES will continue to pursue the concept of its fashion sister GALLERY: international tradeshow business in a curated, modern and contemporary atmosphere with presentation options that more than fulfil the various needs and budgets of its exhibitors. Due to the smaller setting of the Areal Böhler the location of both events, which will in future be interlinked by cross-marketing a condensed, concise platform is emerging, which stands out with its energy, expertise and all-round offer. It will offer a new fresh vibe and a competent new start in Düsseldorf for the international shoe business with a focus on orders. IGEDO COMPANY, a subsidiary of Messe Düsseldorf, is ensuring the seamless continuation of the full international support and a direct presence by well-known foreign representatives in all relevant countries. The tradeshow will be divided into the sections PREMIUM, CONTEMPORARY, URBAN, COMFORT and KIDS. An area of around 10,500 m 2, plus a 2000 m 2 lightweight constructed tent installed especially for tradeshows that casually references the new allure of the Areal Böhler, will offer space for around 500 brands. Depending on their needs, brands can present their collections at their own individual booths of up to 150 m² or at concept booths of varying sizes, up to 35 m². The different hall types, in which the segments can be impressively merged together, are particularly appealing.

2 The first step is about putting together a brand portfolio and everyone coming together to create an event that attracts both a national and international audience. This includes big key players as well as smaller, more exclusive brands, as well as an interplay of relevant brands for GALLERY and GALLERY SHOES. The shoe collections will be suitably rounded off with bags and accessories. Between 8000 and 10,000 international visitors from Northern, Central and Eastern Europe are expected to attend. The fact that the new schedule means the event falls on different days of the week will also allow independent, smaller specialist stores to visit the event again. As a result of the condensed character and concise brand portfolio, it will be possible to offer a fast overview and therefore the ideal ordering conditions in a short time with minimal travel inconvenience. Questions & Answers Ulrike Kähler, Project Director of GALLERY & GALLERY SHOES 1. At GDS, some exhibitors voiced concern that a proper concept for GALLERY SHOES was not in place. What s your opinion on this? We understand the initial reaction of criticism and apologize if we have unintentionally caused any bad feelings. But I should make it clear that it isn t feasible to create a fundamentally new concept or completely overhaul the existing one because of the predetermined needs of the market. We re offering something different, but also very decisive: a new start for the international shoe business in Düsseldorf with plenty of new ideas and inspiration basically, a breath of fresh air. A new contemporary setting that secures the new future of the tradition in our city, which has a legacy of more than 60 years. And the fresh emotions associated with a move to an exciting new location. The key ways to offer effective information and ordering at the event are an atmospheric setting, modern presentations, a streamlined offer and pooled expertise specific to the sector.

3 2. At the last edition of GDS, a lot of exhibitors were somewhat annoyed that they weren t informed about the new Gallery in advance. Did you not want to let the entire industry know at that time, or was it not possible? No matter when we would have chosen to announce the new GALLERY SHOES, it was always going to create a stir because it s of such importance to a lot of people. We tried to approach it in a way that would ensure continuity and convey a sense of calm to the market. 3. Based on what criteria will you segment the fair? We ll be dividing the segments into PREMIUM, CONTEMPORARY, URBAN, COMFORT and KIDS. 4. Assuming that there will be more potential exhibitors than booth space, how will you allocate the spaces? Will it be first come, first served, or will you base your decisions on the importance of the exhibitor? Due to the very nature of the matter, there is no one-dimensional answer to that question. We have the obligation to honor a lot of different interests: not least those of the national and international trade visitors, whom we need to offer an exciting, mutually inspiring mix. As far as interests go, this is a common denominator for everyone. It goes without saying that we are addressing this task with the utmost respect and regard for every exhibitor, but are also trusting the natural evolution that a self-regulating dynamic will bring about. 5. There won t be any booths larger than 160 m 2 at Gallery. How will you be dealing with brands like Tamaris and Gabor who usually occupy huge spaces? The Areal Böhler conveys a totally different charm to that of the old location. The curated feel of the halls in industrial design gives it a unique value and sophistication. This will definitely not be a disadvantage for big brands. In keeping with the product presentation of elegant department stores, they will be able to present their products in this new atmosphere in a totally different way than before. This implies a different self-image, where it s less about size and more about quality. Highlighting this aspect is a very important, modern approach when it comes to appealing to new, international customers. Just compare it with the shoe departments of the world s most important department stores, which include big key players just as much as innovative and exclusive small brands.

4 6. IGEDO comes from the fashion sector. Will there still be room for manufacturers of comfortable shoes, for example, at the tradeshow? Of course comfortable shoe manufacturers are just as much a part of the GALLERY SHOES portfolio as children s shoes: but, to go with the new setting, the presentation will be more modern, consolidated and transparent, which is by no means a drawback. 7. What about children s shoes? Will they find a platform at your event? Absolutely. This important segment is a compulsory part of GALLERY SHOES, which is why it will also be given a suitable, competent setting. 8. The first date for the new tradeshow falls in August, which is well known for being the holiday month in Italy. Are you even expecting exhibitors from the south of Europe to attend? Of course we are expecting exhibitors from Italy and the south of Europe. One of the main advantages of the Areal Böhler is the scheduling freedom, which means that from now on we can plan differently and flexibly in a way that the complex, inflexible calendar of an exhibition centre doesn t allow. The August date had already been set. 9. You re planning on around 500 labels participating, but the net exhibition space is around 10,500 m². This only works out as 21 m 2 per booth. How will you be able to meet the needs of bigger suppliers with extensive collections? We re talking about 500 labels, not 500 exhibitors. Of course we ll be able to meet the needs of larger suppliers and extensive collections within the framework of a condensed presentation. Because in turn there are also enough brands who will welcome a smaller booth area. Unlike the big trade fair halls, small booths don t look lost at the Areal Böhler, but perfectly suit the venue s modern industrial charm. So it s more of an advantage as the total financial burden will decrease for a lot of exhibitors, which is what a lot of them want these days. A lot of brands cannot or don t necessarily want to present their collections in huge booths. But they still need, and want to profit from an international order platform. As the subsidiary of Messe Düsseldorf, we are still offering the full international service, making use of our international networks and still addressing all significant international markets.

5 10. A long time ago, GDS decided to no longer hold the fair on the weekend. Why are you now returning to a date that falls on a weekend? Is this decision based on the fact that you want to attract more smaller specialist retailers to the event again? Of course small specialist retailers, in addition to big key accounts and opinionforming buyers, are important to big companies: both national and international! 11. One criticism of GDS was that it hasn t been international enough lately. How do you want to bring international buyers back to Düsseldorf? That s not something we can achieve and influence alone because we are also subject to the changing times. Basically, a tradeshow doesn t just thrive as a result of the responsibility of its organizer, but also the draw and appeal of its exhibitors. We are providing a new, inspiring setting, which can very much keep up with other pulsating events in Germany and Europe. We all know how important emotion is for our business. With its curated charm, the Areal Böhler provides a more emotional setting, which in addition to the new presentation options and condensed overview, will convey a new energy and enthusiasm. And that s precisely where I also see a particular appeal for international visitors: in just one day, international guests can quickly gain the perfect overview in a unique atmosphere with the best travel connections, for which the trade fair city is renowned. This is an extremely important aspect for every international visitor. 12. Berlin Fashion Week is doing very well. The number of visitors to Micam has increased. Where do you see your niche that will allow you to provide what the others can t? One of our advantages lies in our great scheduling freedom. This can be ideally adapted to the actual scheduling needs for orders on a competent, pooled platform. Berlin is far too early for a lot of shoe manufacturers and not relevant as an order platform for many retailers. Milan, on the other hand, isn t relevant for every exhibitor. Not every label is necessarily focusing on accelerating growth in southern European countries, choosing instead to focus on northern Europe because that s who their collections are aimed at. And for many retailers, the changing season dates of Micam aren t necessarily convenient. With GALLERY SHOES we are also offering a focus on the key exhibitors of the European shoe industry and with the Areal, a unique platform with the aforementioned benefits for the international shoe business.

6 13. At GDS there was a comprehensive program of accompanying events with fashion shows and lectures. Will there be anything like that at GALLERY SHOES? Yes, in a format that suits the Areal and the scope available. 14. Have you already confirmed the rental prices for the booths? Yes, of course. The Areal Böhler gives small exclusive labels and brands different options to the ones that the trade fair grounds could ever offer. 15. In terms of transport connections, the Areal Böhler isn t as easy to get to as the trade fair grounds. How will buyers and exhibitors make their way there? Will there be sufficient parking spaces and shuttle offers? Just like the trade fair grounds, there are excellent public transport connections to this venue too. The 1,500 parking spaces at Areal Böhler will be extended by a large external car park in the adjoining district of Lörick. And it goes without saying that we ll also be putting on regular free shuttles. Düsseldorf, March 2017