Shoe Fair Evokes Tepid Response

Big companies like Phoenix, Reebok, Bata and Corona are conspicuous by their absence. According to India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) officials the organisers of the fair the shoe fair has not managed to generate any spectacular sales figure either. Officials say that business worth Rs 50 crore could have been generated but the figures are vague estimates.

The fair, which is mainly meant for the business buyers and exporters, is held every year in the capital. Among the major players this year are Mescos, Liberty and Puma.

Gaitonde Shoes, which recently its domestic business in the country, is among the debutants trying to dig in their heels. The Chennai-based Gaitonde is one of the largest exporter. The Agra-based Dawar Exports and Amar Exports too have their presence at the fair.

 

Going by this years experience, I dont think we would like to participate in the fair nest time, an executive with a major shoe company said.

Exporters attribute the poor sales volumes to low bargaining by foreign buyers, who compare Indian shoes with those of China and other developing countries.