Good turnout at Footwear UK

Footwear UK organisers reported a strong attendance over the three day show at the end of February despite the snow and poor travelling conditions. 'The severe weather got to us on Tuesday and did affect visitor numbers but we'd gained on the Sunday and Monday with higher than average registrations so overall we were pleased. Running alongside the MODA shows definitely works for many of our footwear exhibitors and having Womenswear in the adjacent hall this time created an opportunity for good buyer crossover. It seems more and more people are recognising that it represents good value at no extra cost', said David Wilkins, show director. Showing the brand for the first time in the UK, Esprit Footwear were pleased they'd exhibited at Footwear UK. 'We saw our important customers, exceeded our target of new accounts and opened some very good quality accounts', said Mark Faulkner. Terry McIntosh of Italian children's brand Primigi said: 'we've been showing at Footwear UK since 1998 and without a doubt this was our best show ever with a lot of new faces on the stand and a good order book which is what the show is all about.' Daryl Fulls of Moshulu reported: 'we had a great show - the best ever for an autumn/winter collection launch' and Rob Lambert of Rockport said: 'it was an excellent forum for attracting new customers and as a result of us being there its generated a lot of new leads.' Dates for the next Footwear UK show were announced as August 7-9 and in the meantime, plans are shaping up for Footwear London at Olympia on April 3-5. Conceived as a late buying show in the capital and deliberately positioned to take place after the major European shows, Footwear London will continue to build on its reputation as a vibrant event for the high fashion end of the footwear market at a time and a place to suit UK buyers. These shows are organised by DEW Events Limited. All enquiries to David Wilkins on +44 1707 364360