ESW and La Sportiva at the Innovation Day in Riva del Garda with a panel on eCommerce and global growth
With the panel “La Sportiva & ESW: unlocking global growth through eComm DTC“, scheduled at 4:00 PM on Monday, May 18 at the Theatre room of the Riva del Garda Fair, a concrete look at the evolution of Direct-to-Consumer strategies in the sportswear and outdoor sector will be offered. The meeting will be hosted as part of the Innovation Day, a day dedicated to innovation involving startups, investors, brands, and industry professionals through panels, pitches, and networking moments, with ESW among the Presenting Partners of the initiative.
The panel by ESW and La Sportiva
In the sportswear sector, Direct-to-Consumer is redefining international growth strategies, allowing brands to build more direct relationships with consumers and strengthen brand control. Starting from the concrete case of La Sportiva, the panel explores how leading brands are evolving the DTC model in a complementary way to the wholesale channel and how these two channels can act synergistically to increase brand equity. The discussion will focus on the main strategic challenges related to the coexistence of the two models and how to generate value in a balanced and sustainable way.
Key elements of the international expansion journey and the main operational challenges faced will also be explored, maintaining the brand strategy and control internally, but entrusting execution to an experienced partner. The conversation will finally analyze the role of ESW within this ecosystem, highlighting how it supports cross-border execution and helps brands scale their global presence through a structured and flexible operational model. On stage, Jessica Genta, Strategy E-commerce & Sustainability Director of La Sportiva, and Giulio Cancelli, Senior Sales Director Italy of ESW will intervene.
Who is ESW
ESW is the global partner that supports some of the leading sportswear and fashion brands, including Nike, Lululemon, Rossignol, and Calvin Klein, in managing ecommerce sales in international markets. Through a solution localized in over 190 markets, ESW manages on behalf of brands all the operational complexities of cross-border eCommerce starting from checkout, thanks to a platform that integrates logistics and international shipping services, local and currency payments, user experience localization, tax management, duties, regulatory compliance, returns, and customer service.
The goal is to enable brands to expand globally by simplifying international eCommerce operations, while maintaining full control over customer data and offering end consumers a consistent, localized shopping experience in line with the brand’s positioning.
What is the Innovation Day
The meeting is part of the program of the Startup & Innovation Day, one of the main novelties of the European Outdoor Week, scheduled for May 18, 2026 in Riva del Garda. The event is born as a platform dedicated to outdoor innovation and aims to connect startups, investors, companies, retailers, and industry professionals through pitches, panels, and networking moments.
During the day, selected startups, investors, and corporate leaders will be present to discuss sustainability, digitalization, new materials, and emerging business models.
