Micam 102 (footwear, with 758 brands, including 378 Italian and 380 international) and Mipel 130 (leather goods, with 180 brands) opened yesterday, Sunday, September 13, at Fiera Milano Rho. Until Monday, September 14, they are being held alongside Milano Fashion&Jewels (September 12–14) and TheOne Milano. Companies are relying on the international reach of these trade fairs to develop exports at a time when the industry is facing strong headwinds caused by geopolitical tensions and rising costs, particularly energy prices. Here are the first impressions from exhibitors.
Sentiment is moderately positive
Sentiment is moderately positive, with visitors rewarding companies able to offer a strong value proposition combining brand, product, quality, price and services. “We are at Micam because we achieved good results at previous editions, so we decided to confirm our participation. We expect to see buyers from new markets, particularly from Asia,” says Martina Cappello of Fracap, the footwear manufacturer based in Monteroni di Lecce and run by brothers Antonio – Martina’s father – and Michele (on the left in the photo).
The company is experiencing gradual growth, driven by increasing sales in the UK and US. “The key? It is a combination of factors rooted in our history and in the quality of our shoes, which are made using the Ideal construction method, a technique that is now rarely used.”
Alternative markets
Accademia Shoes, based in Fossò, near Venice, has had to look for alternative markets to Russia and Ukraine. Trade fairs have proved to be a reliable way of finding new customers. “We have no expectations regarding Russian or Ukrainian buyers. We are at Micam for customers from Eastern Europe and the Baltic countries, as well as Africa, which is beginning to become an important market. I’m referring to Nigeria and Ghana, but also to other countries,” says Enrico Barbato ((on the right in the photo), who runs the company with his brother Carlo.
First impressions from Mipel
Mipel also appears to be giving exhibitors some encouragement. “Sunday was a good day, as we expected following the results of the most recent editions of the fair. The limited presence of German buyers was the only negative note,” Paolo Cardelli of handbag brand Ripani tells us.
Read also:
- One trade fair after another: from Lineapelle to all the September fairs
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