On 26-27 January, INDX Shows opened its doors for the 2025 winter edition of INDX National Kidswear Show and INDX National Kids Footwear Show. Taking place at Cranmore Park in Solihull, the event boasted a fresh feel thanks to a new stand system and retained an upbeat mood across the two days.

Taking the spotlight was the new INDX National Kids Footwear Show. Running alongside kidswear, the event played host to the hottest names in children’s footwear, from emerging talent to global leaders, with more brands set to join next season’s lineup.

Following the show’s launch, feedback from both exhibitors and visitors confirms that INDX has successfully stepped up to the mark in providing the children’s footwear industry with a much-needed, dedicated platform to trade, network and thrive.

Sam Chetwood, founder and franchisor of CeCe & Me, a network of skilled shoe fitters, hailed INDX National Kids Footwear Show as a must-visit event.

“Now INDX has introduced a dedicated kids’ footwear section, attending was really a no-brainer. It’s been some time since we’ve seen children’s footwear brands brought together on this scale. It makes such a difference to see them alongside each other, as well as being a huge timesaving. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to meet brands we don’t currently stock and to catch up with other retailers.

“There was a great range of brands represented. The show was well laid out in a fairly open-plan space, it didn’t feel crowded, and it was easy to see who was there and who was free. We saw brands we already stock – Froddo, Bobux, Ricosta, Camper, ZIG+STAR, Slipfree and Grass & Air – and also spent time looking at Superfit, Young Soles, Petasil, Dubs, TT Kids and Primigi. The show lived up to my expectations and I really hope it becomes a regular feature in the calendar for years to come.”

 

 

Ali McAleavy, founder of sustainable kids’ footwear brand ZIG+STAR, exhibited at the debut edition. One of her key takeaways was the opportunity to network, both with buyers and the wider industry.

“Having previously attended kids’ fashion trade fairs, as a brand that prides itself on delivering both style and quality, it was so great to be part of a fair that focused on kids’ footwear specifically, and meeting retailers who really understand the importance of foot health for children. Plus, being in the UK, it’s a brilliant way for UK businesses to support each other.

“It was great to connect with both existing and new customers as well as other brands, but it was about so much more than wholesale. We discussed how to support each other and promote both in-store fitting and the UK footwear industry generally. It was such a great event, brilliantly organised by Varsha and the INDX team. We’re already looking forward to next time.”

 

 

Stu Anderson, CEO of luxury children’s footwear brand Young Soles, was another of the show’s new exhibitors and shares similar sentiments.

“This was our first year at INDX, having been attracted by the dedicated children’s shoe show. The children’s shoe industry has been crying out for years for a dedicated show or area. It was great to be in a room with all the best children’s brands, making it easier for buyers to browse and spend time with exhibitors.

“We met with existing retailers and really benefitted from being able to spend time talking with them. We met a few independents we’d been speaking to, who got the opportunity to pop by our stand and see how high-quality and beautiful our footwear is, which you don’t get online or from a catalogue. There were also some larger retailers and a few we certainly weren’t expecting. We found the show to be a success, and we will certainly be coming again. It is great to support the British footwear industry, and we hope that the brands and retailers continue to do so.”

By offering dedicated kidswear and footwear zones side-by-side, INDX is paving the way for buyers to extend their visits and explore new brands, which is something Lisa Durward, owner of Street Stompers in Aberdeen, plans to do next season.

“I have attended INDX previously and enjoy seeing all the brands together, it’s a great opportunity to discover new collections and physically interact with the products. I found the show to be very worthwhile, and I appreciate the expansion of the brands showcased.

“Some of my favourites this season included Bobux, Froddo, Lelli Kelly, Camper, Start-Rite Shoes, Clarks, Ricosta, Mustang and ToeZone. I attended on Monday only, but with the addition of the shoe zone I will definitely attend both days in the future, so I have time to explore the clothing brands as well.”

 

 

Overall, support for the UK childrenswear industry was prevalent at INDX, as Angela Marsland, owner of Blues Baby and Amore, reiterates.

“Exhibiting at INDX shows loyalty to the childrenswear industry and supports retailers by giving them a preview of collections. We also realise the importance of INDX being the only UK trade show for childrenswear, not to support it would be a mistake and have a detrimental impact on our shrinking industry.

“We appreciate our loyal and valued customers who attend INDX and place orders, we also acquired quite a few new clients which was the cherry on top, so we were very happy with the show this time.”

Jane Shepherd, founder of childrenswear brand Pigeon Organics, another regular exhibitor at INDX, also picked up new stockists and praised the running of the show.

“We’ve shown at INDX for many years, and have always enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, accessibility and easy setup and breakdown, but most of all, the opportunity to meet so many of our regular customers and make new contacts in a welcoming and convenient setting. It’s always nice to network with other brands, too.

“We saw all our regular customers who came to place orders as well as some new buyers who have already placed orders since the show.”

 

 

This season also included the Networking Social at The Loft, Cranmore Park’s exclusive eatery and hospitality experience. Exhibitors and attendees flocked to the informal post-show gathering, which provided further opportunities to catch up and connect while relaxing with drinks, canapes and live entertainment.

Meanwhile, the return of the Stand Out competition for the best-dressed stand saw Toby Tiger win for childrenswear, while Clarks scooped the award for the best-dressed footwear stand.

 

 

Event manager Varsha Chohan says: “I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the exhibitors and buyers who supported INDX National Kidswear Show and INDX National Kids Footwear Show this season. The atmosphere was great, the order writing steady, and the new stand system elevated the look and feel of the showroom. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in June.”

Show information

INDX National Kidswear Show and INDX National Kids Footwear Show will return on 29-30 June 2025. Registration is now open, please click here. For exhibitor enquiries, please contact varsha.chohan@cranmorepark.co.uk. You can also follow INDX Shows on Instagram here.