Events

Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags adapts to a changing market landscape

Name: Expo Riva Schuh
Start: 2026-01-10
End: 2026-01-13
Location: Expo Riva Schuh

Dec 9, 2025 Italy

Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags adapts to a changing market landscape

Ahead of the upcoming January edition, the Italian trade fair is adapting to changing market landscape while reinforcing its dual role as strategic observatory and a meeting place for footwear and accessories professionals

Taking place between the 10^th and the 13^th of January 2026, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags, organised by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, seeks to fulfil its role as a strategic observatory and meeting place in the face of a highly complex market situation and changing consumer behaviour. “We are seeing a real overall paradigm shift”, states General Manager Alessandra Albarelli.

She continues: “It is no longer a question of waiting for 'sales to pick up' or for consumption linked to traditional factors – such as the weather, the season or economic conditions – to return. Today, consumption is driven by a completely new logic: digital channels, the culture of reuse and quality second-hand goods all have an impact. It is a profound change, both social and economic. Companies that can position themselves effectively across different channels, both physical and online, will survive and grow; others will inevitably disappear”.

Against this backdrop, Expo Riva Schuh is less affected by the retail crisis, although it still faces some repercussions. “Companies are planning their participation more selectively, choosing strategic times of the year, often linked to their main collection. This is natural market selection, but perhaps also a sign of maturity. Meanwhile, visitors are planning their attendance at the fair in advance (...): registrations for the next editions of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags are going well, and interest remains high”.

In an era of rising regionalism, isolationism and protectionism, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags aims to be a exception by continuing to believe in international openness. “The world is increasingly global, even if purchasing dynamics tend to favour macro-regions and products with a territorial identity, but the product itself remains global”, says Albarelli.

A Showcase For Discovering New Trends

For the upcoming edition, which coincides with the first opportunity of the year to assess the market and determine collection strategies, the fair aims to showcase new models and emerging consumer trends.

Visitors can look forward to the return of the Highlights Area, comprising two dedicated spaces hosting events that focus on the latest consumer trends. Developed in collaboration with Arsutoria, this space seeks to provides buyers and exhibitors with a “true compass”, translating observations into knowledge and trends into opportunities.

In addition, the new Showcase Area in Pavilion A2 is designed as a “shop window” to display a selection of colour-focused bags, leather goods and travel items from Gardabags exhibitors’ collections.

The upcoming edition will also present four stylistic visions, advances the organisation, each reflecting a consumer increasingly attuned to sensory quality, durability and the storytelling behind every product:

- Opulent Grace: A celebration of the baroque style, fusing theatricality with contemporary restraint through velvets, brocades, metallics, and the harmony of gold and black.

- Heritage Remix: Looking to the past as a "living material," it combines traditional techniques (woven fabrics, tartans, leathers) with modern elements like unexpected geometries and metallic accents, speaking a reassuring yet cross-generational language.

- Denim Renaissance: Marks the full consecration of denim as a field for experimentation, using washes, embroidery, and patchwork to express creative freedom and individuality.

- Wild Allure: Channels the instinctive power of nature through animal textures, hair-on hides, and irregular surfaces, conveying a primal, urban appeal with sculptural leather and iridescent effects.

“Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags are two platforms that, together, best represent two crucial segments of the international fashion market; – notes Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi – a discussion hub where professionals can find inspiration, data, and concrete tools to best guide their strategies and actions in the market”.

The next editions of Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags will take place in Riva del Garda from the 10^th to the 13^thof January 2026. Further information and tickets are available here.

Italy Accessories Events Expo Riva Schuh Footwear Trade fairs