The FN Platform footwear fair, held in Las Vegas, United States, in the second week of February, featured the participation of 21 Brazilian retail brands, and it is expected to generate over $3.7 million in business for these companies.
The initiative was supported by Brazilian Footwear, an export support program maintained by the Brazilian Association of Footwear Industries (Abi-calçados) in partnership with the Brazilian Agency for Promotion of Exports and Investments (Apex-Brasil).
Abicalçados’ Commercial Promotion Analyst, Ruísa Scheffel, highlights that during the fair, sales amounted to $752,000, but the expectation of combining post-business should add another $3 million.
“The U.S. is the main destination for Brazilian footwear abroad. It is the world’s largest consumer market for footwear, in 
generated values. On the other hand, it is a country with a lot of competition, especially with Asian footwear, which is why it is important to maintain and expand our presence, strengthening our product’s image with the North American consumer. Brands interested in the market should outline a long-term investment strategy,” declares Ruísa.
She also adds that the outlook for the Brazilian footwear market this year is positive, especially regarding the improvement in domestic demand for footwear. Abroad, due to currency and trade instabilities, the estimate is more modest, but still points to growth. “The perspective is precisely due to the recovery in the North American market.”
• How to participate in international fairs: The brand must be associated with Brazilian Footwear, which can be done by contacting Abicalçados. After a diagnosis, the company is segmented according to its level of maturity and export potential. From there, the company will receive information about actions of interest, respecting each particular strategy. More information can be obtained by phone at (51) 3594-7011 or via email: relacionamento@abicalcados.com.br
VIVIANE FAVER
Journalist
vfaver@gmail.com