More Exhibitors to Choose From at San Francisco Market
Immediate orders and staple items for autumn were on buyers’ lists at the Fashion Market– Fall I edition of Golden Gate Apparel Association’s (GGAA) Fashion Market of San Francisco, held April 12–15 at the Concourse Exhibition Center.
About 1,400 buyers came to the show to view more than 600 lines from approximately 288 womenswear, juniors and accessories exhibitors, according to GGAA President Craig Hinds, who said there was a slight increase in exhibitors over last season’s market.
“We’re finding more reps who like our show for its regional following,” said Hinds. “GGAA Fashion Market is more affordable than other market shows, and it attracts lots of buyers from the Northwest, Southern California—basically, we’re on the uptake.”
The number of registered buyers at the show was flat compared with the same time last year, according to GGAA Executive Director Dianne Travalini.
Approximately 65 new accounts registered at this season’s show, although a large portion of them were re-registered buyers who had not been to the show for more than a year, Travalini said.
Buyers from Ann’s Boutique in San Luis Obispo, Calif., Alta specialty-chain stores in Northern California, Even Me in Modesto, Calif., and Town and Country Fashions in Gilroy, Calif., came to the show to shop the lines. Department-store buyers from Macy’s West and Nordstrom made appointments to place orders closer to the season with vendors such as Eileen Fisher, Jones New York, Isda & Co. and Weston Wear.
Several Bay Area businesses reported a noticeable pick-up in retail sales during March, said Hinds.
“Increasing temperatures and favorable news from the Middle East have increased consumer confidence,” he said. “Business at retail has picked up dramatically, and consumers have spring fever for trendy items that can be worn in warm weather.”
GGAA’s Fashion Market–Fall II will be held June 14–17 at the Concourse Exhibition Center. For information, call (775) 851-3082.
