São Paulo – The footwear and accessories industry show Zero Grau will run from November 21 to 23 in Gramado, in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state, should welcome at least 14 importers from Arab countries. As of this Tuesday (18), attendance had been confirmed by six buyers from Saudi Arabia, three from the United Arab Emirates, two from Bahrain, two from Kuwait and one from Oman, according to Roberta Pletsch, the relationship manager with Merkator Feiras e Eventos, the company that organizes the expo.
In all, 109 importers said they will be there, and more could follow. These are buyers who have been invited by the organization. The bulk of them, 41, are coming from South America; with 25 importers hailing from Central America and 17 from the Middle East. Besides the five countries mentioned above, buyers from non-Arab Middle East nations Pakistan and Israel will attend.
Also attending will be 15 importers from Europe, six from Africa, three from North America and two from Asia. According to Pletsch, the industry is betting high on exports, due to the Brazilian economic scenario and the fact that the exchange rate is conducive to foreign sales, but the outlook is also good regarding an improvement of the domestic market. “Storeowners need to get the new collections,” Pletsch said. Zero Grau will feature Brazilian brands’ autumn/winter collections.
The Arab buyers have been to the expo in the past, and the good results keep bringing them back. The organizers invite importers named by the exhibiting companies. Pletsch says that the Arabs usually buy large amounts, and that industry executives hold them very dear. “Their markets hold great potential, our shoes are met with very good acceptance in those countries,” the manager claims, adding that they’re also invited because they are a new market for the industry.
Invited importers attending for the first time get air travel and lodging paid for. Those who have been to past editions get free lodging. Zero Grau also provides lodging to Brazilian storeowners, and the big waiting list is one of the reasons Pletsch believes the show will be successful. The manager expects 10,000 visitors over the event’s three days.
The expo will feature 350 exhibitors showcasing new products by 1.200 footwear and accessories brands at the Serra Park exhibition complex. This edition will see a 300 sqm increase in exhibition space. The show will be concurrent with Natal Luz (the Christmas of Light), a time when the city features several attractions and welcomes lots of tourists.
Quick facts
Zero Grau – Footwear and Accessories Expo
November 21 to 23 from 9 am to 7 pm
Serra Park – Gramado – RS
Industry only
Find out more: http://feirazerograu.com.br/
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
