Events

8 000 attend June edition of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags

Jun 23, 2025 Italy

The 103rd edition of the Italian trade fair specialising in footwear, bags and accessories, held from the 14th to the 17th of June 2025, attracted around 8 000 atendees from over 100 countries

“Once again, the summer edition has proven to be stronger than the winter one. Visitor numbers remained largely stable – a solid result considering the many complications currently affecting global markets, as well as the military conflicts that, during the fair itself, escalated and prevented several countries from participating”, commented Roberto Pellegrini, Chairman of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi.

The event, which marked the start of the spring/summer 2026 season, hosted over 1 100 exhibitors and brands from 41 countries and attracted 8 000 visitors from 100 countries.

According to the organisers, buyer attendance from the UK and Poland increased by 5% and 15% respectively, while attendance from Germany remained stable and Italy showed a slight decline. Attendance from outside the EU was also positive, with India up by 13.6% and both Africa and the United States registering a 10% increase.

Pellegrini also emphasised that order placements are being driven by “buyer quality”, as demonstrated by the ongoing demand for additional exhibition space to accommodate new and growing exhibitors. Therefore, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags plan to expand their exhibition centre over the next three years.

“Over the next three years, we plan to complete works that will make the fairgrounds even more welcoming: we will add another 20,000 m2, building new halls for a total investment of around 50 million euros. This will ensure an even greater international reach and exhibitor diversity”, he revealed.

Highlights

One of the main highlights of the June edition was the revamp of Gardabags, which doubled in size and expanded its collections. It featured three interactive zones – Sourcing, Sourcing4Bridge and Brands – and placed a strong focus on exhibitors of travel goods.

Irisphera, a Romanian company that offers artificial intelligence and 3D solutions to help consumers buy clothing and significantly reduce returns, won the Innovation Village Retail startup competition, emphasising how artificial intelligence is key to the industry’s future.

Thanks to their victory, the young company will have the opportunity to exhibit at the next event, which is scheduled to take place from the 10^th to the 13^th of January 2026.

Image Credits: exporivaschuh.it

Italy Accessories Events Expo Riva Schuh Footwear