The 95th edition of Expo Riva Schuh and the 6th edition of Gardabags attracted over 2,700 visitors from 79 different countries, confirming their international reach despite the travel limitations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Buyers came from Europe - especially Italy, Germany, Poland, Spain, France and the Netherlands - as well as from Russia, North America and Taiwan. Two years ago, before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, this major footwear sourcing fair on Italy’s Lake Garda attracted more than 12,000 visitors from 111 countries. Only 406 exhibitors participated in the latest edition of the show, compared with 1,462 two years ago. The event, which claims to be the world’s largest fair for low- and medium-priced shoes, suffered from the absence of Chinese exhibitors, which are usually the largest delegation. Some Chinese companies were represented by agents or partners, however. The trade show was complemented by a digital event called Digital Connection which started on June 13 and will run until Sept. 30. The digital platform features an additional 122 exhibitors.

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