"Leopard spots" situations at Lineapelle, the international fair of leather, accessories/components, synthetics for the footwear, leather goods, garment and furniture sector, that took place in Bologna from 15 to 17 April 2009.

The observers of the event perceived a decrease in the attendance comparing the May 2008 edition which registered 22.300 units (we still wait for the official closing data of the organizers) and a concentration on Thursday, the 16th of April. A consequence of the cost saving policy of the visiting companies that had as an effect a great selection of the fair visit, mostly dedicated to exhibitor companies with a sound reputation and an offer of high quality, with technologic and fashion research contents. With only a few hours at their disposal, people preferred to go unhesitatingly. Instead of wandering in search of anything new, penalising many of the 1120 exhibiting companies (they had been 1245 in the May 2008 edition) - of which 2/3 Italians and subdivided in tanneries (543), accessories/components (462), synthetics (92), stylists, schools and press (23). So, only the more structured companies were satisfied of the running of the three days of the leather, recording a great interest for the innovative contents of the Spring-Summer 2010 collections and with a level of transactions over the low expectations of the days before the fair.

"Hide transformers, selling leather to the different types of tanneries, have a general overview of the sector - explains Fiammetta Volpi, president of Vero Cuoio Italiano - and verified a decrease of 30% in the turnover and orders in each segment, footwear, leather goods, garment, furniture... Hide transformer is the most suffering end of the sector: we have to pay in advance the raw materials but we collect payment only in the long terms of the market". According to the market, the first quarter of the 2009, opened following the falling trend of 2008, with the leather courses falling of the 30% for bovine skin and of the 20% for ovine and goat skin. After the first quarter of stability, the last month showed a shy reprise - or, better, a slowing of the worsening - with little signs of confidence and orders, mostly for high range leathers. A trend confirmed by Andrea Ghizzani, president of the Consortium Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata al Vegetale (Italian vegetal tanned leather): "The niche offer of the 26 companies of the consortium is of the highest quality and is still appreciated by the market. In effect, during the present economic crises with general falls of 30%, although our products with a very high added value are expensive, our field is bearing only a -16% decrease, percentage that can be read as a holding sing".

To add fashion and technical values to the products, a characteristic of Italian offer, seems to be the main resource to play an important role on the market in the present hard situation: "Every year, every season, we do constantly a lot of research. - explained Pier Carlo Ferrero, owner of Ferrero Tannery, one of the many examples of the Italian excellence exhibiting at Lineapelle - We invested on new cutting machinery: they are working slowly but produce excellent results and a price-winning product, awarded at the last Hong Kong fair. Although it is expensive, the market showed a big interest on it".

Lineapelle confirmed its "window-effect": visitors appreciated the innovative collections that showed a decided and reassuring classical style, reinterpreted on the extremes. The privileged observatory was the Trend Area located in the service center of the fair and titled "Fluid World". Protagonist of it, leathers with a natural aspect, the minimum or hardly invasive finishings, soft feel and high visible, matt effects, marks and glazing, casual flaws, cuts and cracking. Washed and deep effects. Chamois, albeit dried, in slightly sustained thickness. Nubuck, also for reptiles. Natural glossy and matt effects, fabric aspects, ethnic interlaces. Pale and pastel colours, bright only for chamois. Reptile prints also in the little livery effects. Technical fabrics in the look and in the content, rubbed fabrics, in polyestr, in pvc. Accessories in natural materials (horn, wood, seashell) or in resins. In metal - silver, brass, zinc alloy - always in big dimensions. Component always important.

Although the prudent behaviour of the buyer - they looked more than buying - Lineapelle closed under a moderate optimism. The weeks after the closing of the event will decide on the goodness of the contact generated by the fair and on the quality of the offer.

Situazioni "a macchia di leopardo" a Lineapelle, la fiera della pelle, accessori/componenti, sintetici per il settore calzaturiero, pellettiero, abbigliamento, arredo tenutasi a Bologna dal 15 al 17 aprile 2009. L'afflusso dei visitatori è stato percepito dagli osservatori in calo rispetto alle 22.300 presenze registrate all'edizione di maggio 2008 (si attende il dato ufficiale da parte degli organizzatori a consuntivo dell'evento) e concentrato soprattutto nell'unica giornata di giovedì 16 aprile. Una conseguenza del contenimento dei costi di trasferta da parte delle aziende visitatrici, che ha prodotto come effetto una maggiore selezione delle visite, dedicate soprattutto a quelle aziende con reputazione solida e un'offerta qualitativamente alta, con grande contenuto di ricerca tecnologica e di moda. Con tempi ridotti, si è per così dire preferito "andare a colpo sicuro", piuttosto che gironzolare tra gli stand alla ricerca di qualcosa di nuovo, penalizzando molte delle 1120 aziende espositrici (erano state 1245 nel maggio 2008) - di cui 2/3 italiane e suddivise in concerie (543), accessori/componenti (462), sintetici (92), stilisti, scuole e stampa (23).

L'andamento della manifestazione ha quindi soddisfatto soprattutto le aziende più strutturate, che hanno chiuso la tre giorni della pelle registrando da un lato il grande interesse per i contenuti delle innovative collezioni per la Primavera-Estate 2010, dall'altra un livello delle contrattazioni ad di sopra delle magre aspettative della vigilia.
"I cuoifici, suddividendo la pelle intera tra diversi tipi di concerie, hanno in mano tutta la filiera - spiega Fiammetta Volpi, presidente del Consorzio Vero Cuoio Italiano - dove si riscontra un generalizzato calo di fatturato ed ordinativi dell'ordine del 30%. Sono i cuoifici in questo quadro congiunturale a soffrire di più: hanno una grande degenza delle banche, perché pagano prima di acquistare la materia prima e riscuotono coi tempi - allungati - del mercato". E, stando al mercato, il primo trimestre 2009 si è aperto con la tendenza ribassista che ha fatto chiudere il 2008 con tagli dei listini del 30% per pelli bovine, e del 20% delle ovo-caprine. Dopo un primo trimestre all'insegna della stabilità, nell'ultimo mese si è registrata una timida ripresa - o, per meglio dire, un rallentamento del trend negativo - con piccoli segnali di fiducia e ordinativi, soprattutto per le fasce più alte di prodotto. Un trend confermato in fiera da Andrea Ghizzani, presidente del Consorzio Vera Pelle Italiana Conciata al Vegetale: "L'offerta di nicchia delle 26 concerie del consorzio è di altissima qualità e continua ad essere apprezzata dal mercato. Infatti, nell'attuale congiuntura dove si registrano cali generalizzati del 30%, il nostro settore con prodotti dal grande valore aggiunto, anche se più costosi, con un calo del 16% del fatturato si può definire in sostanziale tenuta". Investire sul valore aggiunto di ricerca e contenuti moda, caratteristiche tipiche dell'offerta del made in Italy, sembra essere la risorsa principale per restare sul mercato in tempi difficili: "Facciamo tantissima ricerca, costante, anno per anno, stagione per stagione: - spiega Pier Carlo Ferrero della Conceria Ferrero, uno dei tanti esempi dell'eccellenza italiana presente in fiera - abbiamo investito su nuovi macchinari per lavorazioni speciali al taglio: sono macchine lente però il risultato è eccezionale, tanto che ad Hong Kong ci hanno premiati come miglior prodotto della fiera. E' chiaro che si tratta di un articolo costoso, ma gli effetti premiano, come dimostra l'interesse del mercato".

Lineapelle non ha mancato di confermare l'effetto-vetrina della manifestazione, registrando l'interesse dei visitatori per le innovative collezioni presentate che hanno puntato su un riassicurante gusto classico, sebbene reinterpretato, giocato sugli estremi. Osservatorio privilegiato la Trend Area presso il centro servizi della manifestazione intitolata "Mondo Fluido" dove sono stati protagonisti pellami dagli aspetti naturali, con pochissima rifinizione; bottalati con grane e peculiarità in evidenza, tamponature dagli effetti sfumati e di profondità. Pelli dal tatto morbido o scattante. Pelli scamosciate asciutte, sportive con spessori sostenuti. Nubuck, anche su rettili pregiati. Lucentezze e opacità, tagli, effetti tessuto e intrecci etnici, laserati a pizzo, doppiature di pelle e tessuti tecnici, vernici lucide e iridescenze. Palette dei colori chiari e pastellati, tonalità accese solo per scamosciati. Stampe rettile anche a piccole livree. Tessuti tecnici per aspetto e contenuto, tessuti gommati, in poliestere o pvc. Accessori in materiali naturali (corno, legno, madreperle), che in resine. Accessori in metallo - argento, ottone, zama - sempre di grandi dimensioni. Componenti sempre più importanti.

Nonostante l'atteggiamento prudenziale dei buyer - si è più guardato, che ordinato - Lineapelle si chiude con un cauto ottimismo. Quanto siano stati buoni i contatti generati e quanto sia stato fruttuoso l'interesse per l'offerta della manifestazione, sarà oggetto di verifica per il settore nelle settimane successive all'evento.

The competition for the outdoor industry is being hosted by Messe Friedrichshafen and organized by iF for the fourth time. Once again, students are also invited to take part with their “works in progress” in the “Concepts” category.

Manufacturers and designers are invited to enter their products focusing on the topic of theoutdoors in the OutDoor Industry Award 2009 during this year’s OutDoor Show in Friedrichshafen (July 16 to 19, 2009). The deadline for registrations is June 15, 2009.

Entries will be accepted in the following categories: Apparel/Helmets/Shoes, Backpacks/Travel luggage, Mountain-climbing equipment, Camping equipment, Sleeping bags and Accessories. The following two categories are brand-new: products with high ecological and sustainable value and material innovations. The “Concepts” category is restricted to students who would like to submit experimental drafts of yet to be realized products and studies. Participation for students is free of charge.

This year’s jury of experts welcomes the following members: Frank Wacker (Motor Presse Stuttgart, Stuttgart/D), Mark Held (European Outdoor Group, Zug/CH), Gregor Baer (Produktdesigner Indigo/Bogner, Munich/D) and Olaf Wittayer (Sport 2000 – die Outdoorprofis, Limburg/D). Two more jurors have yet to be nominated. Among the prizewinners determined during the jury session on July 2, 2009, the jury will also name additional “GOLD award winners” for the most innovative products. The winners of these special awards will not be announced until the Awards Ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on July 16 during the show in Friedrichshafen. All the winning products will be on display during the OutDoor Show from July 16 to 19.

The “OutDoor Celebrity of the Year” will also be selected once again this year – this award goes to a personality who has made a special contribution to the topic of the outdoors and will be awarded by a panel of top international trade journalists. Rolf G. Schmid, president of the European Outdoor Group and CEO of the Mammut Sports Group, was voted “OutDoor Celebrity of the Year” in 2008.

Online registration is available and further information ready to download at www.ifdesign.de (organized by iF).

Whether you’re the bride or the guest, the last thing you want to think about at a wedding is your feet - and the burning, aching feeling that can leave foot pain at centre stage instead of you.

Fear not.

‘Science meets sexy’ to bring you a revolutionary new way to wear your high heels: in style and comfort.

Three to Four Times Longer
Created by a US astronaut and a world-famous podiatrist, NEW Insolia Inserts actually shift your weight toward your heel, dramatically reducing the forces that can pull your body out of alignment, leading to strain on your feet and legs.

This means you can wear your high heels three to four times longer AND enjoy your wedding without sitting on the sidelines rubbing the balls of your feet.

“This is a 21st century solution to an age-old problem,” says Barry Wright of Simply Feet – the sole distributor of Insolia Inserts in the UK.

We Love Our High Heels
“Women have always enjoyed wearing high heels because they feel more glamorous and sexier, but they’ve been hampered by the resulting pain and discomfort,” says Barry. “Worn simply and discreetly, Insolia Inserts will change the way women feel about their high-heeled shoes.”

Unlike the padding and cushioning that can only mask the problem, these clever little weight-shifting inserts solve the age-old problem of putting most of the weight on the ball of your foot when wearing high heels.

The inserts actually modify the inside contour of a shoe, placing the foot into the optimal position for a high heel. The results: reduced forefoot and toe pressure, a balance closer to flat shoes, improved body alignment and ankle stability.

Without Insolia Inserts, for example, a woman wearing a three-inch high heel puts 75 per cent of her weight on her forefoot and about 25 per cent on her heel.

With Insolia Inserts in the same three-inch high heels, however, that same woman shifts her weight 50/50 for a far more comfortable balance of forces that can pull her body back into alignment - thereby reducing strain to feet, legs and back.

Best of all – because the inserts are small, slim and discreet – they do not affect the look of your shoe. They are anti-bacterial, containing ‘natural elements’ - a unique silver ion technology that prevents the growth of the bacteria that can cause odours. Insolia Inserts should not be moved from shoe to shoe.

You’ll Love Your High Heels Again
“Once women try the product,” says Barry, “they will notice the difference immediately. Insolia Inserts create such a difference in the way women feel about wearing their high heels that they’ll shift from a love/hate relationship to pure love.”
Insolia Inserts are easy-to-use and adhere to the inside of any style high-heeled shoe, including sandals, sling backs, pumps and wedges – and are perfect for this season’s highest skyscrapers.
Insolia Inserts fits shoe sizes from 4 – 12 and are available in the UK only through Simply Feet – your online headquarters for more than 5,000 exclusive luxury foot creams, orthotics, insoles and supports, protective appliances, skin and nail care, padding, socks, clippers, files and speciality shoes and sandals.
For more information about how you can enjoy your wedding and any day you fancy wearing your favourite high heels, log on to Simply Feet today at www.simplyfeet.co.uk and see how Insolia will change the way you will feel about your high heels.

Lacoste Footwear, Zweigniederlassung der Pentland Group mit Hauptsitz in London, hat sein Außendienstteam in Norddeutschland verstärkt. Seit April ist Matthias Krause, 39, für die Bundesländer Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein und Teile von Niedersachsen zuständig. Matthias Krause kommt aus der Sportbranche und war zuvor als Filialleiter bei Runnerspoint und zuletzt bei Dodenhof in Posthausen tätig.

US-Superstar Vanessa Hudgens, bekannt aus den Filmhits High School Musical 1-3, ist das Gesicht der Footwear-Marke Ecko Red. Die Amerikanerin, die sich bereits im Vorjahr in Deutschland für Ecko Red präsentierte, ist auch in der aktuellen TV-Kampagne zu sehen.

As the leading firm in young and extreme activities such as trail running, rock climbing, mountain biking and water sports, Vibram offers soles designed for the difficult terrain of the great outdoors to provide greater safety, comfort and performance. It is therefore natural that Vibram and the Natural Games have signed up for a long-term partnership to defend their common values on occasion of an event in which performance and fun rhyme with environmental protection.

Vibram, on hand for the Natural Games
Vibram soles will have an excellent chance to show their true grip in the spectacular Gorges du Tarn, near Millau (France) during the extreme events of the Natural Games from 24 to 28 June 2009. The program will combine competition, fun and some work for the environment with:
an array of different top-level events in climbing, kayaking, downhill mountain biking and paragliding stunts.

A clean up of the river gorges
Lots of things to do at the Exhibitor village, including the Music festival
For Vibram, it is important to be actively present in the field. It is through close contact with regular users and the sponsored athletes using the products, as well as its presence in an array of events, that the brand remains informed on how each sport is evolving.

Maximum technology for better outdoor performance
The explosive growth in outdoor activities is an opportunity that Vibram has seized to go beyond current standards and offer products that are functional, suited to the activity and modern tastes, and offer high performance. Thanks to functional design, optimum rubber compounds targeting specific activities, the right balance of features for high performance, rigorous selection of raw materials, lab tests, etc., each Vibram sole is the product of an in-depth analysis of sporting activities and users’ requirements.

7O years of experience and know-how
70 years in direct contact with the mountaineering community have put Vibram in a position to develop high-performance soles, in particular for outdoors and mountain activities.

Komfort und Sicherheit: Outdoor-Reisegepäck auf dem Vormarsch
Friedrichshafen – Reiselust statt Urlaubsfrust weckt die Outdoor-Branche mit Neuheiten und Innovationen im Bereich Funktionalität. Schwerpunkt für die kommende Saison ist beim Thema Reisen neben der Verbesserung des Komforts der Aspekt Sicherheit. Vom 16. bis 19. Juli 2009 zeigen die Hersteller auf der Internationalen Fachmesse OutDoor in Friedrichshafen die Trends wie funktionelle Bekleidung mit Moskitoschutz und Diebstahlschutz für das Reisegepäck.

Die Deutschen gelten als die Reiseweltmeister. Trotz gegenwärtiger Wirtschaftskrise blickt die Branche optimistisch in die Zukunft. Denn durch die Vielfältigkeit des Natursports bietet Outdoor viele Möglichkeiten, bei denen gespart und dennoch verreist werden kann. Bewegung in der Natur stellt ein Stück Lebensqualität dar und hier wird erst ganz zum Schluss gespart, darin sind sich Branchenkenner einig.

Wer in den Urlaub fährt, egal ob auf Kurztrip in heimische Gefilde oder auf die große Expedition, braucht die entsprechende Ausrüstung. „Im Trend steht innovatives und sportives Reisegepäck. Taschen in frischem Design und mit hoher Funktionalität sowie Qualität sind gefragt“, weiß Thomas Ryll, Verkaufs- und Marketingleiter von Eagle Creek. Innovativ zeigt sich die Branche beim Thema Sicherheit: PacSafe präsentiert auf der OutDoor in Friedrichshafen ein umfangreiches Sortiment an Sicherheitstaschen und -Accessoires. Um Diebstahl unterwegs vorzubeugen, sind die Träger durch integrierte Stahlkabel gesichert. Rucksack- und Taschenmaterialien werden durch ein Netz aus Edelstahl geschützt und können mit einem Messer nicht zerschnitten werden.

Mehr denn je fungiert die OutDoor in diesem Jahr als Neuheiten- und Premierenmesse. Mit dem Leitthema „Innovation and Technology“ werden neue Entwicklungen, sowohl auf Produktebene, wie auch bei Vertrieb und Handel in den Vordergrund gerückt. Die 16. OutDoor erwartet die weltweiten Marktführer und zahlreiche neue Branchengrößen. Mit mehr als 600 Anmeldungen (plus 13 %) aus 39 Nationen verbucht die Leitmesse im Vergleich zum Vorjahreszeitpunkt eine Rekordnachfrage an Standfläche.

Über funktionelle Travelwear hat sich die Outdoor-Branche Zutritt zum Bekleidungsalltag verschafft. Funktionen wie Transfer von Feuchtigkeit, Moskito- und Geruchsschutz, Pflegeleichtigkeit oder schnelle Trocknungszeiten sind nicht nur in Kairo, Rio oder Bangkok vorteilhaft, sondern auch in Berlin und London beim täglichen Weg zur Arbeit. Auch beim Reisegepäck auf Rollen dringt Outdoor in den Alltag ein. Es findet sich unterdessen auch in Schulen als Ranzenersatz oder auf dem Campus wieder.

Weitere Informationen gibt es unter www.european-outdoor.com.

The APLF Fashion Access and APLF-MM&T fairs ended April 2nd in Hong Kong with encouraging numbers, while innovation, newness and a strong fashion focus fostered an energetic mood.

According to the verified figures, visitor numbers for the combined fairs totaled almost 30,000 this March, an optimistic number considering today’s grim global economy.
2009 saw overall fewer visitors compared to last year but there were increased numbers reported from important markets Spain, the Middle East, Thailand, Pakistan and some South American countries including Colombia, Argentina and Venezuela.
"In view of travel cuts and the economic downturn, the small drop in the number of visitors was much less than we anticipated. People are allocating their budgets to attend major shows to better use their travel budgets," noted Michael Duck, Director of APLF.

The APLF Fashion Access and APLF-MM&T fairs ended April 2nd in Hong Kong with encouraging numbers, while innovation, newness and a strong fashion focus fostered an energetic mood.

According to the verified figures, visitor numbers for the combined fairs totaled almost 30,000 this March, an optimistic number considering today’s grim global economy.
2009 saw overall fewer visitors compared to last year but there were increased numbers reported from important markets Spain, the Middle East, Thailand, Pakistan and some South American countries including Colombia, Argentina and Venezuela.
"In view of travel cuts and the economic downturn, the small drop in the number of visitors was much less than we anticipated. People are allocating their budgets to attend major shows to better use their travel budgets," noted Michael Duck, Director of APLF.

The organisers responded well to the current economic climate by placing greater focus on fair value – this year, more than ever. Numerous exhibitors at both Fashion Access and MM&T, for example, commented that the quality of buyers and their openness to do business had exceeded their expectations.

Visitors were also pleased.
Buyer Billy Norris of US handbag and travelware company Daymakers of Santa Barbara, best known for its practical styles, found inspiration in the design directions presented at the Fashion Access and APLF-MM&T trends lounges.
He told the online leather and fashion trade publication FashionNetAsia “Seeing the trends and innovations at the fairs showed me just how much fashion can energise a product.”

American fashion designer Aileen Lai commented: “I found the APLF-MM&T trade show to be quite a success with a lot of new vendors that I had not seen in the past - which means a lot during such economic times”.

“Simply put, buyers still need to buy even though business is tough,” Lai added.
Newness, Trends and Innovations

Fashion Access, which focuses on finished leather goods, shoes, accessories and some apparel, attracted buyers by offering a wide range of quality products. Of particular interest were the high-tech ski gloves enhanced with ergonomic design and material (from Japan’s Matsuoka Glove Co.), Brazilian shoe brand Luiza Barcelos Calcados for its bespoke-style fashion offer, and the elegant, seamless leather goods by Hong Kong’s Chanceland.

The use of leather for garments is re-emerging, and is one look to watch for upcoming seasons. Driving this trend at Fashion Access was Brazilian designer Patricia Vieira’s innovative collection of modern and wearable leather garments.

Meanwhile, new leather innovations unveiled at the materials and leather-focused APLF-MM&T added to the importance of this trend. Leather supplier Uyguner Deri from Turkey took home a Best of APLF Award for its ultra-thin, supple leather offered in a wide range of colours that widen possibilities for the creation of garments
Exotic skins, bright colours, embossed abstract patterns, ombre effects and soft yet durable finishes were among the other key trends dominating the fair grounds at MM&T.
Furthermore, APLF has not lost sight of the big-picture issue of Sustainability. It was a key topic discussed at APLF’s concurrently run Prime Source Forum last week, as well an important driving force in the design set-up and production of the Fashion Access and APLF-MM&T fair grounds this year.

APLF unveiled greener fairs through operational initiatives that reduce post-show waste and increase use of recycled and reusable raw materials.
From Raw Materials to Fashion, Textiles and Apparel
By holding Fashion Access, APLF-MM&T and Prime Source Forum concurrently, the organizers are offering value at every level.

“All the processes in the value chain are closely interrelated,” Mr. Duck explained. “During these hard times it has become apparent how important it is for a business to consider the effects and outcomes of each and every step. This kind of information is close at hand at our vertically-integrated fairs.”

“Additionally, our successful Prime Source Forum, which focuses on apparel and textiles, demonstrates how connected we are within industries that parallel leather and fashion accessories sectors.”

Comfort and security: a new generation of outdoor travel bags
Friedrichshafen / Germany – The outdoor industry is inspiring wanderlust with new products and functional innovations. In addition to products that enhance travel comfort, a major focus for the coming season is on features that secure travellers' belongings. At the OutDoor International Trade Fair in Friedrichshafen (July 16-19, 2009), manufacturers are showcasing all the latest trends such as functional clothing with mosquito repellent and theft protection for travel packs.

Die Deutschen gelten als die Reiseweltmeister. Trotz gegenwärtiger Wirtschaftskrise blickt die Branche optimistisch in die Zukunft. Denn durch die Vielfältigkeit des Natursports bietet Outdoor viele Möglichkeiten, bei denen gespart und dennoch verreist werden kann. Bewegung in der Natur stellt ein Stück Lebensqualität dar und hier wird erst ganz zum Schluss gespart, darin sind sich Branchenkenner einig.

Wer in den Urlaub fährt, egal ob auf Kurztrip in heimische Gefilde oder auf die große Expedition, braucht die entsprechende Ausrüstung. „Im Trend steht innovatives und sportives Reisegepäck. Taschen in frischem Design und mit hoher Funktionalität sowie Qualität sind gefragt“, weiß Thomas Ryll, Verkaufs- und Marketingleiter von Eagle Creek. Innovativ zeigt sich die Branche beim Thema Sicherheit: PacSafe präsentiert auf der OutDoor in Friedrichshafen ein umfangreiches Sortiment an Sicherheitstaschen und -Accessoires. Um Diebstahl unterwegs vorzubeugen, sind die Träger durch integrierte Stahlkabel gesichert. Rucksack- und Taschenmaterialien werden durch ein Netz aus Edelstahl geschützt und können mit einem Messer nicht zerschnitten werden.

Mehr denn je fungiert die OutDoor in diesem Jahr als Neuheiten- und Premierenmesse. Mit dem Leitthema „Innovation and Technology“ werden neue Entwicklungen, sowohl auf Produktebene, wie auch bei Vertrieb und Handel in den Vordergrund gerückt. Die 16. OutDoor erwartet die weltweiten Marktführer und zahlreiche neue Branchengrößen. Mit mehr als 600 Anmeldungen (plus 13 %) aus 39 Nationen verbucht die Leitmesse im Vergleich zum Vorjahreszeitpunkt eine Rekordnachfrage an Standfläche.

Über funktionelle Travelwear hat sich die Outdoor-Branche Zutritt zum Bekleidungsalltag verschafft. Funktionen wie Transfer von Feuchtigkeit, Moskito- und Geruchsschutz, Pflegeleichtigkeit oder schnelle Trocknungszeiten sind nicht nur in Kairo, Rio oder Bangkok vorteilhaft, sondern auch in Berlin und London beim täglichen Weg zur Arbeit. Auch beim Reisegepäck auf Rollen dringt Outdoor in den Alltag ein. Es findet sich unterdessen auch in Schulen als Ranzenersatz oder auf dem Campus wieder.

Weitere Informationen gibt es unter www.european-outdoor.com.

Aisles were buzzing, queues forming at the registration decks and it was “business as usual” at the APLF-MM&T materials and leather fair.

The upbeat atmosphere at APLF’s 25th anniversary fair swiftly dispelled any pessimism that exhibitors and visitors may have had upon arrival at the show. This optimistic mood was also strengthened by the positive economic measures coming out of the G20 Meeting taking place in London at the same time.

Aisles were buzzing, queues forming at the registration decks and it was “business as usual” at the APLF-MM&T materials and leather fair.

The upbeat atmosphere at APLF’s 25th anniversary fair swiftly dispelled any pessimism that exhibitors and visitors may have had upon arrival at the show. This optimistic mood was also strengthened by the positive economic measures coming out of the G20 Meeting taking place in London at the same time.

At the busy press conference on opening day March 31st, APLF Director, Michael Duck, simply stated that trade fairs were there to stimulate business and if travel budgets had been reduced and industry participants could go to just one international fair, then they would come to APLF.

Mr. Duck’s assessment was spot on.
According to the verified figures, visitor numbers for MM&T and concurrent fair Fashion Access totaled almost 30,000 this March, an optimistic number considering today’s grim global economy. Traditionally, the results at APLF set the trend for the coming year and the 2009 fair could well bear this out.

While 2009 saw overall fewer visitors compared to last year, there were increased numbers reported from important markets such as Spain, the Middle East, Thailand, Pakistan and some South American countries including Colombia, Argentina and Venezuela.

Visitor numbers tell one story but perception tells another. As Mr. Agha Saiddain of the Pakistan Tanners Association remarked, “The number of buyers who have visited our pavilion is higher than the number who came last year.”
In a similar vein, Mr. Lemi Tolunay, Chairman of the Turkish Leatehr Council observed, “Many new customers are here since they believe that the leather industry has a bright future.”

This year, more than ever, the Organisers pushed for building a strong business-focused environment by facilitating greater networking opportunities between quality buyers and exhibitors.

Mr. Duck noted, “We saw on fair grounds that numerous people were conducting real business. To me this is a true measure of trade show success.”

As buyer Mr. Baojing Yang, General Manger of Guangzhou Chengbang Shoes Manufactory Co., Ltd noted, “The product categories are better than last year. We can find more varieties of products. The designs of them can even compare with Europe. APLF–MM&T is doing a great job in such a difficult year.”

APLF as the world stage for the leather industry
Just as the opening press conference was packed with the international trade press, an equally important press conference took place the following day concerning ACLE 2009 to be held in Shanghai from 3 – 5 September.

APLF organise this fair jointly with the China Leather Industry Association (CLIA) and at this conference Mr. Su Chaoying, Secretary General of CLIA announced that as of that day, April 1st 2009, that VAT and taxes on leather imported into China would be reduced to zero and that export tax rebates to Chinese exporters of leather products - excluding footwear - would be adjusted from 5% to 13%. This is extremely important news to boost the international leather trade at all levels in these challenging times.
To announce such measures at a press conference at APLF clearly illustrates the perception of the CLIA of APLF as being the “world stage”, which was also highlighted by the round table discussion held on April 2nd on “The hide market crash and its influence on the future of the leather industry”.

The discussion was moderated by Ron Sauer, the international leather market expert, ex adviser to the United Nations and editor of the renowned The Sauer Report.
The importance of this discussion was illustrated by the presence of all the major players in the international hide market; China, United States, India and Brazil. Taking place at APLF, the “Global Meeting Place for the International Leather Industry”, the discussion was aptly held at the center of the leather industry’s international market place.

A full report on this landmark meeting and an audio interview with Ron Sauer will be published with the purpose of giving an overview on what was discussed with insights and details on this topic, vital for the global leather industry.

From Raw Materials to Textiles, Apparel and Fashion

By holding MM&T, Fashion Access and Prime Source Forum concurrently, the Organisers are offering value at every level.

“All the processes in the value chain are closely interrelated,” Mr. Duck explained. “During these hard times it has become apparent how important it is for a business to consider the effects and outcomes of each and every step. This kind of information is close at hand at our vertically-integrated fairs.”

“Additionally, our successful Prime Source Forum, which focuses on apparel and textiles, demonstrates how connected we are within industries that parallel the leather and fashion accessories sectors.”

The China footwear manufacturing, and with this our sporting goods industry, is under attack. China is facing current and pending anti-dumping and safeguards cases as well as possible tariff hikes against its footwear industry from nearly every continent (South America: Brazil, Argentina and Ecuador; North America: Canada; Europe: EU, Russia & Turkey).

The WFSGI is strongly reacting to this situation as it is directly endangering our industry and daily business. We call upon the countries in the world, and at these times in particular China, to apply pressure on any country to resist implementing footwear or other protectionist measures. The G-20 countries in London agreed on a strong message to avoid protectionism in these globally difficult times. Not only does WFSGI applaud this position, we strongly encourage all countries to adhere to this directive.
The WFSGI is pleased to see that the G20 has decided not to repeat the historic mistakes of protectionism of previous eras. We therefore wish to support the G20 proposals (see www.wfsgi.org/Trade for details) but at the same time monitor the implementation program by watching specific issues concerning our industry such as:

- Made in China could become a liability and significant issue in many key global markets: we must avoid this risk for China and our industry at all costs.

- Export capacity increases with less consumption/demand versus actual manufacturing output. This could inevitably lead to surges in China footwear product in certain markets and the inevitable risks of retaliatory action.

- Unemployment could rise even higher than current estimates of 20-35 million workers who have already lost their jobs in Chinese manufacturing.

- Loss of exports from China could result in a gain for other footwear producing countries in Asia/LA

- Loss of investment by EU/US/Japan brands in China footwear manufacturing sector. Real risk also that current protectionist action in several countries for footwear exports could spread to other sectors such as apparel and sports equipment.

The WFSGI members are ready to work closely with officials in all key markets to ensure we are aligned and able to co-operate to defend our shared interests in the sporting goods industry and particular, the Chinese footwear manufacturing export sector. “We have requested an urgent meeting with the Chinese Minister of Commerce and a delegation is ready to travel to China as soon as possible”, says John Larsen, WFSGI President. “We want to defend our interest in China but also show the Chinese Government our support”.

The WFSGI supports and promote the sporting goods industry world-wide by providing the platform where our members forge the tools of their cooperation to promote fair trade in order to increase the sport participation in the world and improve the well-being of mankind through the practice of sports. We believe that it would help people to overcome difficulties in their daily life if governments could further lower or remove any tariff barriers. Manufacturers and consumers could benefit from an efficient global market. Tariff elimination in the sporting goods and specifically the footwear sector would create greater economic value, lower production costs, and supply consumers with wider and affordable choice of products. The WFSGI expects the negotiation, both global and bi-lateral, to achieve an ambitious outcome, including deep and comprehensive reductions in the protectionism tariffs of sporting goods.