More than 20,000 visitors came to the 100th edition of Micam Milano (footwear) and 128th edition of Mipel (leather goods). The majority of operators interviewed described the balance of the shows as stable when compared with that of the last editions. Expectations on the eve, however, were marked by caution, given the geopolitical context. The next event is February 22-24, 2026.
More than 20,000 visitors
From Sept. 7 to 9 at Fieramilano Rho, more than a thousand brands including footwear and leather goods exhibited collections destined for the upcoming summer season. The organizers reported that attendance was 20,362 (below their expectations), of which 43% Italians and 57% foreigners, for a total of 126 countries represented, and the most from Spain, Germany, France, Poland, China, Japan, Nigeria and South Africa.
Attempts
“The balance of this edition of Mipel is stable. It’s similar to last editions”, says Sergio Sciamanna, CEO of the company Laipe (Cromia brand). This is also because it’s complicated to forge relationships with new customers. In addition, markets are not expanding; if anything, they are contracting”. There is also the concomitance of the Paris tradeshows, which certainly didn’t facilitate a greater influx of attendance. For the brand’s external sales representative Christian Villa: “Mipel went very well. The company had good expectations for this edition because it was aware that it was exhibiting a beautiful collection at an attractive price. The expectations were confirmed”.
Phlegm
“This edition of Micam was similar to the ones we have been accustomed to for the past few years”, began Andrea Barbato, head of the Barbato shoe factory (Antonio Barbato brand)., who added that the date of the fair event, which was brought forward from the usual schedule, also had an impact. “The expectations were met. Our customers came, but they reduced orders”, says Claudio Scocco of Donna Soft brand, who continues: “In summary, we don’t lose customers, but we don’t gain either because there are no new names. All buyers are on the safe side”.
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