Segments

From 15 to 17 September 2006 GDS in Düsseldorf was once again be the sectoral meeting point and information platform giving pointers to the entire international shoe business. Around 1,400 exhibitors from about 45 nations presented their latest shoe collections here for Spring/Summer 2007 and their immediate ranges for the current Autumn/Winter 2006/07 season.

Unique in Europe, GDS shores up buyers' ordering decisions thanks to its specialised focus. With specialist events, Specials and Trend Lectures and Shows GDS primes the shoe sector perfectly for the next season. With its clear segmentation into Premium, Young Fashion through to Basic it offers an appropriate and comprehensive range for all target groups - a concept that has proved successful.

Messe Düsseldorf has therefore continued to consistently develop each individual area. A new Premium area ‘white cubes' attracting the attention of internationally renowned labels is the positive result of these efforts. Overall, this high-end segment at GDS has posted 30% growth with key top brands like Charles Jourdan, Etro, Fratelli Rossetti, Missoni, Strenesse and Stuart Weitzman. The new Men's Special also focuses, amongst others, on primarily premium brands on the men's shoe market and for the first time now an exclusive high-fashion show was showcasing top labels like Debut, DKS, DKNY, Franceschetti, La Suite, Paco Gil, Sandro Vicari and Strenesse.