A publicity stunt by the organisers of Bulgaria’s first leather, fur and footwear show backfired badly yesterday when local citizens laid siege to the event, demanding goods that had previously been promoted at knockdown prices.

Though the ‘too good to be true’ prices were advertised in protest at the influx of cheap imports into the country, few people appeared to get the irony.  In a country where leather and fur goods are a necessity in winter, an estimated 3,000 Sofians queued all night to secure their purchases.  Local reports speak of a near riot taking place as the would-be purchasers discovered that the 'joke' was on them.   

Showcasing the wares of 30 domestic leather, shoe and haberdashery firms, ‘100% Bulgarian’ closes its doors this Sunday.

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