In conversation with Marijn Versture, one of the driving forces behind the Dutch trade fair organizer Cast, it quickly becomes clear: The platform is no longer just as a meeting point and trading center for brands and retailers: inside. Cast is in change- from a classic trade fair organization to a dynamic industry platform that is committed to networking, the exchange of knowledge and the future viability of the fashion and shoe industry.
From trade fair center to the industry platform
“Cast began as a pure shoe center in 1984,” says Versture. “But in recent years we have developed into a full trading platform. Now we are going one step further- towards a role as a industry association for providers: inside from the shoe, sports and fashion industry.”
In this new role, Cast wants to be more than just an event location. Support for legal questions, delivery conditions, rental advice or recruitment – all of this is increasingly part of the offer. “We are a neutral instance between manufacturer: inside and retailers: inside. We use this position specifically to pass on relevant knowledge. Not as a competitor, but as an industry partner,” says Verst. “We do not offer finished tools,” he explains, “but we know where you can find special knowledge. This mediator role belongs to our DNA: recognize, forward, remove signals.”
Shopping street as a mirror of the industry
A big advantage of Cast: The team is traveling in the middle of the industry every day – between showrooms, trade fairs and shopping streets. This proximity to practice provides valuable insights. “It is striking that many shopping areas suffer from vacancy, low product knowledge in the sales staff and the lack of motivation,” reports Versture. “These are sensitive topics, but that’s why they need attention – because it is not an indispensable facts, but changeable circumstances.”
He advocates pragmatic, realistic steps in everyday life. “Invest in your employees – if only ten minutes a day for product training. Make sure that the shopping experience in your business is coherent, from the first contact to the purchase.
Solutions with a sense of proportion
Despite all the digital possibilities, Verchure warns of one -sided dependency. “The industry relies too strongly on digital tools. But a system is only a solution if it brings real added value. Entrepreneurs: Inside should ask themselves: What do I really need?” His message: remain open, but question critically. “Don’t let the X-Ten software solution blind if it does not fit your size or destination. Exchange-often you know what works best yourself.”
Industry in transition
According to Ver, the fashion industry is in a phase of the transition: known structures lose hold, new models are created. “We move in a gray area between the familiar and what comes,” he says. “Decisions at the macro level now have a rapid pace on the trade on site. This requires flexibility – but also orientation.” The industry is looking for new relevance. Specialization, transparency and real interpersonal exchange are becoming more important. “It is no longer about selling as much as possible, but about creating real added value. What is your contribution as an entrepreneur to the overall system?” These questions require reflection and are central to the future viability of the industry.
Specialization as a success factor
A recurring topic in conversation with various is specialization. “Quality and luxury are not a question of the price,” he says. “It’s about craftsmanship, attention to detail and real understanding of the product. This makes brands and business relevant in the long term.”
In a world full of stimuli and changes, this may be the central message: you have the courage to focus. Take a deep dare. Because this is where the future of the industry is located.