Free Retail Workshops & Foot Health Seminars
The retail workshops were highly successful events presented by international trainer Mark Davis from The Davis Consulting Group. Mark presented on two issues at the core of retail business; Visual Merchandising to Sell 30% More and Pick the Right Product Mix to Maximise Profits. Both topics utilised the very latest techniques and modern case studies in order to assist visitors to grow their retail business.

The Foot Health Seminars were presented by two of Australia's leading podiatrists, Abbie Najjarine from ICB Medical and Keith Pollock from The Original Comfort and Fit. Focussing on how orthotics can assist customers and how foot health fits into the footwear industry, visitors learnt efficient techniques and easy tips to assist customers with foot health problems. 


HOT NEW TRENDS
Visitors to the Fair were the first to experience the latest trends for 2009 and beyond including Summer favourites and bold new colours.

Many first-time exhibitors launched new products into the Australian market, alongside fantastic new labels that will not be seen at any other Fair in Australia this year.

Trends included sky high heels, fringing, plaiting, studs, bows and more.

International Developments
The February 2009 Fair was host to many international exhibitors bringing with them innovative new developments and designs from abroad. Some of the countries featured at the Fair were Thailand, India, Singapore, Italy, Colombia, China, UK, Taiwan, Malaysia and Indonesia... just to name a few!  

A first for the Australian Shoe Fair, eight leading Thai footwear labels presented an extensive range of mens, womens and childrens shoes. Bringing highly sought after resort style collections to Australia, labels on show included Senso, Patnasilp, Nifty, Shoes R Us, Premsawad, Sak's Fashion, Manwood, Taywin and Podopedist.