News
An interview with Frédéric Maus, CEO of Who's Next, the leading fashion and accessories trade show
5 September 2024
5 months after Ankorstore signed a groundbreaking partnership agreement with Comexposium, the leading trade shows operator, and just a few days before the launch of the 2024 edition of the Who’s Next fashion trade show, find out more in our interview with its CEO, Frédéric Maus.
Lea Pillot
Ankorstore x Who's Next: The symbiosis of the physical and the digital
In March 2024, Who’s Next (WSN) and Ankorstore join forces to merge the best of physical and digital worlds, offering new solutions for brands and retailers. At the upcoming Who’s Next trade show, Ankorstore will host buyers and exhibitors in a 400 m² space dedicated to food and lifestyle brands. This area, designed as a vibrant hub, promises an immersive experience and enriching exchanges, further strengthening our position as the leading European B2B platform. Frédéric Maus, CEO of WSN, delves into the significance, challenges, and future opportunities of this partnership in the following discussion.
A - THE ANKORSTORE x WSN PARTNERSHIP
Can you tell us about the importance of trade shows like WSN for the independent retail sector?
Frédéric Maus
Trade shows like Who’s Next are essential for connecting the creative industries with independent retailers, serving as a key meeting point in our increasingly digitalized world. These events remain irreplaceable spaces where inspiration and human interaction truly come to life.
How did the partnership between Ankorstore and WSN come about? What concrete benefits does this partnership bring to independent retailers?
Frédéric Maus
Our partnership with Ankorstore was born from this shared vision with Nicolas D’Audiffret, aiming to combine the strengths of both the physical and digital realms to create an innovative omnichannel dynamic in the B2B sector. This collaboration allows retailers to access real-time inventory and benefit from Ankorstore’s wide range of services and exclusive offers, enhancing the solutions we offer through the trade show and optimizing the experience for brands and retailers.
B - Focus on Who's Next
What makes WSN different from other trade shows?
Frédéric Maus
Who’s Next stands out for its unique approach that goes beyond the traditional trade show format. We strive to create a space akin to a festival, where experience and inspiration are at the heart of everything. In an increasingly digital world, we adapt by blending physical encounters with digital tools to offer a complete omnichannel experience. Our commitment to sustainability and ethics, embodied by the Impact initiative, reflects our dedication to promoting responsible practices and encouraging sustainable innovation.
Can you tell us about the specific initiatives WSN has put in place to support young designers and emerging brands?
Frédéric Maus
By actively supporting young designers and emerging brands, we have established WSN as a key player in the creative industries over the past three decades. Through partnerships with fashion schools and platforms like Ulule, we foster the emergence of new talent.
C - Independent retailers and trade shows
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the independent retailer today, and how is WSN helping to address them?
Frédéric Maus
The challenges facing the independent retailers, particularly adapting to the new digitalized generations, require spaces for sharing and inspiration. WSN plays a crucial role in providing such spaces, helping merchants to remain innovative.
How do you see trade shows evolving over the next few years? What innovations are you planning?
Frédéric Maus
The future of trade shows lies in an ever-stronger integration of physical and digital experiences. We constantly innovate to enrich the experience for our participants.
What advice would you give to independent retailers on how to make the most of trade shows and the opportunities they offer?
Frédéric Maus
Trade shows remain critical platforms for discovering new brands and trends, allowing retailers to feel the emotion of a product and engage directly with creators. These events are valuable learning moments for retailers. Beyond unlocking transformative opportunities for their growth, they are also moments to recharge, learn, and build lasting relationships in a professional yet welcoming environment.
Any last words?
Frédéric Maus
Who’s Next continues to embody a dynamic platform that electrifies the creative landscape, offering a unique approach to discovering trends and creations. Choosing our trade show means defending a shared vision of the creative industry, bringing together key players from our sectors without limits. Meanwhile, Ankorstore has become the go-to partner, offering key services to support retail business. We look forward to seeing you at Porte de Versailles, Paris, from September 8th to 10th for this new edition of our trade show.
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