Set to launch in February, Sole Fashion is a new, brand-focused trade show for the men’s, women’s and children’s footwear sectors.
The twice-yearly trade exhibition will take place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Offering a two-day format, the first edition will run on Sunday 16 and Monday 17 February 2020.
Leading global brands such as Rieker, Remonte, Josef Seibel, Rohde, Romika, Tizian, Ara, Hush Puppies and HB Shoes, plus represented brands including Gardiners, Rocket Dog and Crocs are all backing the new industry event.
Sole Fashion aims to deliver fresh ideas and exciting new products to inspire both retailers and their customers each season.
Commenting on the show’s launch is Chris Gorrod, UK managing director for Brevitt Rieker. “Businesses are always looking for alternative routes to market in these challenging trading conditions. However, nothing can replace an industry gathering each season where we can meet our customers and present our latest products to new and existing retailers.
“I am genuinely excited to be supporting Sole Fashion with the Rieker and Remonte brands. I feel it addresses the current needs of the industry from both a supplier and retailer perspective; the timing of this collaboration is perfect. A prestigious venue like the Ricoh Arena will provide an impressive new backdrop for our industry event.”
A new chapter for the UK’s footwear industry.
Penny Robinson, organiser of Sole Fashion and former event director for Moda, adds: “I am delighted to be working with the UK’s footwear industry to deliver an exciting new trade event focusing on branded footwear.
“There is still a strong desire for the industry to showcase their collections each season. However, participating brands demand to see a realistic return on investment. The cost-effective and clear pricing of stands makes Sole Fashion more accessible; attracting new and lapsed UK trade show exhibitors resulting in an unmissable industry event.
“Focus will be on delivering the key retailers from the UK and Irish market and creating a fresh and exciting platform for people to do business. The reaction so far from some very notable footwear industry figures has been extremely positive.”
Also supporting the show is Josef Seibel UK’s managing director, Martin Ingram.
“Sole fashion offers a great opportunity to refresh the industry’s trade event and to create some excitement within the sector,” he says. “The proposition of a new venue, a focused two-day format and most importantly, a viable return on investment, makes the event very interesting for us.
“We are delighted to be returning to the UK trade show format with Josef Seibel showing alongside Romika and Tizian. We look forward to meeting with our many partners and retailers at Sole Fashion.”
The award-winning Ricoh Arena will host the new show.
The Ricoh Arena is located within a two hour drive of 75 per cent of the population. Furthermore, the venue’s Ericsson Hall will allow all of the event’s footwear brands to show together in one space. Other areas within the complex also give scope for expansion to accommodate apparel and accessories collections.
Sole Fashion debuts on 16-17 February 2020 running from 9am until 6pm on both days. The show’s second edition will take place on 9-10 August 2020.
For further information contact info@solefashion.co.uk.
