Final report Gallery July 2018
Review Gallery July 2018
“In terms of visitor numbers, we are concluding the official tradeshow dates of this edition from Saturday 21 until Monday 23 July 2018 on a par with the two previous seasons, whereby variations among individual exhibitors within the different segments were clearly noticeable,” summarises Igedo Managing Director Ulrike Kähler, Project Director of Gallery & Gallery SHOES. “But, like every other platform, this is only something we can influence to a limited extent. We, as organisers, are extremely satisfied with our new direction. We are filling a gap in the market and, with the showroom concept, providing an offer that is exactly what exhibitors are looking for in terms of service and cost effectiveness. In addition to the extraordinary atmosphere, Europe-wide marketing and communication, this added extra is hugely contributing to the success of the event. The brand appeal, as well as the offer and segment of the individual exhibitors are filling the remaining gap and further increasing the tradeshow’s success.”
During the official three days of Gallery in the ‘Alte Schmiedehallen’, ‘Kaltstahlhalle’, ‘Altes Kesselhaus’ and ‘Halle am Wasserturm’ halls, individual exhibitors were able to report a visitor increase of up to 15% in comparison to previous events. And the feedback was enthusiastic and positive, also among those using Gallery as an order platform for the first time and who chose it over other events.
“It goes without saying that we are continuously working towards attracting additional visitors and a higher visitor frequency. Our regular shuttle service to Karl-Arnold-Platz, for example, is one of the offers that is used extensively,” continues Ulrike Kähler.
VDMD ‘THINK TABLE’ talks
The topic of openness and current opportunities, especially for smaller-scale retailers, was a central topic of the VDMD ‘THINK TABLE’ talks on the Sunday of the tradeshow with Anja Gockel (design ambassador of the network and member of the EFC, European Fashion Council), Doris Hartwich (2018 Designer of the Year), Susan Wrschka (Vice-President of the VDMD) and Sophia Schneider-Esleben (sustainable fashion designer). The content discussed here once again clearly showed how differently ladies’ and men’s fashions function in each of the different segments, which can also have an effect on the number of visitors the exhibitors see at their booths.
Synergy Gallery and Gallery SHOES
Review Gallery July 2018
An increase in the number of shoes on show in all halls of Gallery, but especially in the ‘Kaltstahlhalle’, the core area of the five-day showroom concept, was plain to see. “For the future we also see additional potential in exhibiting at both the Gallery and Gallery SHOES formats,” adds Ulrike Kähler.
Evening & Occasion
Incorporating Evening & Occasion into the ‘Alte Schmiedehallen’ hall together with the Contemporary, Accessories & Shoes segments has also turned out to be a positive move. This group of exhibitors was extremely positive about the general visitor frequency and their integration into the heart of Gallery.
Balance
“All in all, at this point in time we are very happy, also with the expansion of Gallery to three halls. Our exhibitors will be doing business at the Areal Böhler for up to ten days in total and we have already received inquiries from international sales agencies,” concludes Ulrike Kähler. The doors of the ‘Kaltstahlhalle’ will be closing tomorrow, while the ‘Altes Kesselhaus’ will be closing its doors on Thursday and the ‘Halle am Wasserturm’ with Modeagentur Klauser at the weekend.
Exhibitors notes and comments please have a look at the exhibitors statements