* Overall U.S. attendance at Micam has waned in recent years. * However, buyers at this year’s Milan event were optimistic about spring ’25 offerings. * Vendors were also willing to make deals. **Detailed Text:**
The footwear industry’s annual pilgrimage to Milan for Micam, the leading trade show for footwear and leather goods, has seen a noticeable decline in U.S. participation in recent years.
Billy Lawson, owner of Shoe Inn — which has locations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut — has been coming to Micam for four decades, and much of his time at the show has been spent alongside wife and co-owner Melissa Lawson. Now, with their son Peter leading day-to-day operations, Micam has become a true family affair. Watch on FN “This time, we also brought my girlfriend and sister-in-law to give us some younger eyes,” Peter Lawson said, about their show strategy. The family noticed a slightly dressier assortment from many vendors, with carryover trends like slingbacks, espadrilles and ballet flats continuing to dominate.
Here, more retailers sound off on their top picks and the advantages of attending Micam to set themselves apart. Bradley Becker, co-owner, Becker’s Shoes Top Trends: “We have seen a diverse number of styles and trends, but loafers are still dominant. Country music is super popular right now, and we are seeing this influence translate into many footwear lines. We can now find western boots available from most countries, and are able to retail these styles at more competitive prices than if we were to buy them from a North American distributor.” Deal Making: “There is always a chance to negotiate quantities and pricing. The main goal of going to Micam, for us, is to dodge unnecessary markups from North American distributors, resulting in better margins and better retail pricing.”
A. The Rise of the Loafer
B.
Loafers are back in style, and this season they are taking center stage. Loafers are a versatile shoe that can be dressed up or down, making them a popular choice for many. Loafers are a timeless classic that has been around for decades.
The footwear industry is experiencing a shift towards a more sustainable and ethical approach. This shift is driven by consumer demand for eco-friendly products and a growing awareness of the environmental and social impacts of the footwear industry. The footwear industry is facing a significant challenge: the rise of counterfeit products. Counterfeiters are increasingly sophisticated, using advanced technology and techniques to produce high-quality fakes. This poses a serious threat to the industry and consumers.
