International Leather Week finds Spanish industry in good shape
International Leather Week, made up of Modacalzado (footwear) and Iberpiel Marroquineria (leather goods), held in Madrid, March 22-24, 2002, enjoyed fantastic weather and there was an impressive range of products on show.
The event managed to continue its growth in terms of exhibitor space but due to the dates unavoidably clashing with Italy’s MICAM, buyers were visibly down in number. Figures released by the organisers showed visitor numbers down 15% to 18,121.
In all, there were 657 exhibitors – 4% more than last year who between them occupied 29,931 square metres of exhibition space – 18% more than the previous edition. The vast majority of exhibitors were footwear businesses, with leather goods taking second place.
In 2001, the Spanish footwear industry saw a slight fall in production – down 1.28% to 200 million pairs, but an increase in turnover – up 3.85% to euro3.15 billion – figures consistent with the industry’s deliberate emphasis on the quality end of the market.
The leathergoods sector had a good first half of the year, with exports climbing by 27%. Sales dipped following the terrorist attacks on the US on September 11, and the economic slowdown in several important markets.
Event director Pola Iglesias admitted both MICAM and International Leather Week would have fewer buyers because of the overlapping dates, but added that the event committee’s hands were tied because of prior booking commitments. Along with MICAM, the other most important date for the European footwear industry is the GDS Shoe Fair, held in Dusseldorf on March 14-17, 2002.
Ms Iglesias said she believed Spain would benefit from the introduction of the euro, as it would make the price competitiveness of Spanish goods even clearer in the European market. She also felt that the industry had not been too badly affected by the wider economic slowdown, citing footwear’s status as ‘a product of necessity’.
Ms Iglesias said that in her opinion, the most interesting aspect this year’s event was the wider range of products on show. "There is something for everyone, for every occasion and for all types of dress", she said. "Variety is increasing - heels for ladies shoes this year, for example, can be seen in high, medium or low. Even men’s shoes are evolving," she added, "with new technology for soles very much in evidence."
