It was not the best Shoe Show ever held in Las Vegas. Yet, even though exhibitors complained about the lack of traffic, many reported writing some decent orders.

It seems that the economy was the cause of the lack of retailers attending the show.  Rather than sending three or four buyers, retailers sent only one, with the caveat that buyers would be calling on them in stores, a venture that someone will have to pay for.

Still, exhibitors seemed to be in a good mood because they believed that they had developed a number of new styles and looks to satisfy retailers. The orders taken at the show will be analysed by makers to see just what retailers are interested in, and plan their production accordingly.

Still, producers will be working by guess to some degree as retailers in different parts of the country require different looks and material for their local customers. High fashions in the major cities will not hit local towns until next year.

Seasons also influence buyers as those in the northern states have a short sandal selling season and must move shoes out of their stores quickly and early.

The Shoe Show is the largest footwear exhibit in the United States and attracts exhibitors from all over the world. A number of countries had organised pavilions, including Italy, China, Portugal, Mexico, Peru, Colombia and India.  As was the case in February, the show was held at both the Sands Convention Center and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, with some high-fashion exhibitors using suites at the Venetian Hotel.

The World Shoe Association, which organises the Shoe Show, has been trying to get the show into a single venue. It needs a over million square feet to house the show in one location. While this may not happen for two years, the show’s management is working to accomplish this. At present, space contracts are delaying the unification of the show.

The next Shoe Show will be held on February 10-13, 2004, for the presentation of autumn and winter 2004/2005 fashions.

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