Hundreds of New Exhibitors Step Into the WSA Show; Premier Footwear Event to Showcase New Resources for Buyers.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- The World Shoe Association (WSA) today announced that more than 200 new exhibitors will be in attendance at its February event. The increased number of new resources for buyers is a testament to the value that the show provides by bringing together to the largest and most important gathering of manufacturers, retailers, designers and footwear industry executives to preview the styles and trends that will captivate consumers for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

Serving the $47 billion US market, the WSA Show is the first national event previewing the season's lines and provides an unequalled forum for the entire footwear industry to connect buyers and sellers, showcase leading brands and fashions, evaluate trends, and discover what is new in footwear styles, accessories, handbags, and other products vital to the footwear industry.

"The addition of more than 200 exhibitors to our show floor signifies the ever-increasing importance of our show as the `must attend' event," says Diane Stone, COO of WSA. "As the first major event of each season where the newest products and trends are unveiled, and the single most cost- and time-effective way to source and compare products, the WSA Show is critical to the buying cycles of key retailers."

Some new exhibiting companies include Alisha Hill, Esprit, Gravis Footwear, Key West Sandal Factory, Little Earth, Napoleon Alexander, Von Dutch, Welligogs Limited, and many more.

"The WSA show is important for the launch of Von Dutch as it enables us to properly showcase our brand," said Bob Landerman, National Sales Manager of Von Dutch. "Retailers will not only see the significance and identity of Von Dutch, but will also be able to visualize how the product will be merchandised in their stores."

Montrail, an outdoor footwear company, is also one of the event's new exhibitors. "The WSA Show is the place for us to reach new customers, especially retailers that specialize in the service of fitting footwear," said Scott Tucker, the company's president. "We are truly excited to show attendees what Montrail has to offer."

A spokesperson from Esprit says, "We are thrilled to showcase our June/July 2005 line at the WSA Show. This marks the first time Esprit has had the opportunity to showcase its global ladies footwear line in the U.S."

For more information about the WSA Show and its exhibitor base, visit www.wsashow.com.

About the World Shoe Association (WSA)

The WSA is the largest association serving the footwear trade. WSA presents the WSA Shows, the premier marketplaces for the footwear industry in The Americas, twice a year providing a forum for the entire footwear industry to connect manufacturers and buyers, showcase designer brand fashions, evaluate trends, and discover what is new in footwear styles, accessories, handbags, and foot care products. With more than 26,000 participants and 6,000+ key brands from all over the world covering 1.6 million square feet of space, the WSA Show is the must-attend for footwear and accessory professionals. For more information about the World Shoe Association or the WSA Show, visit www.wsashow.com.