The 125th International Leather Goods Fair was held in Offenbach, Germany, from September 28 to October 1. Topical seasonal novelties with bags and leather accessories for Spring/Summer 2007 were on show.
The event comprised international lifestyle- and fashion brands, young culture and sports labels, first-class products for travel, school, business and a variety of the latest citybags, small leathergoods, umbrellas as well as gloves, belts, and other fashion accessories.
The halls for the ILM Summer Styles accommodated 243 exhibitors – 151 from Germany and 92 from abroad – and covered a net space of 11,600 sq m including an over-flow tent hall A5 in the Messe courtyard due to increased interest compared with previous editions. Compared with last year’s event, there was a 7% increase in exhibitors following a 6.5% increase the preceeding year.
Italy was represented with 31 companies and accounts for the highest foreign quota at this fair followed by the Netherlands and France. Further foreign exhibitors represent Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Great Britain, Indonesia, Ireland, Croatia, Austria, Pakistan, Poland, PR China, Switzerland, Serbia, Spain, South Africa, Vietnam, and the US.
Considering the general positive development of the economy and the particularly pleasant economic situation with regards to leathergoods, the event was received with great optimism. The consumer’s demand for leathergoods has clearly gained fresh impetus resulting in a 5% increase in turnover in German leathergoods trade in the first half of 2006. The current half-year figures for the German leathergoods industry indicate an upward trend with strong gains of 7.5%.
