Surf Expo Goes Resort
Surf Expo is getting into the resortwear business with the launch of Cal Resort, a new trade show set to bow in August on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, Calif.
The two-day show will feature about 150 booths and will target West Coast specialty retail buyers. The show will include sportswear, swimwear, eyewear and accessories for women, men and children.
This marks Surf Expo’s second entry on the West Coast. Last year, the company tested a Back-to-School show, Surf Expo BTS West, which targeted the surf- and active-apparel markets and went head-to-head with a similar concept from Action Sports Retailer Trade Expo. Surf Expo later announced it would not continue its Backto- School show.
Surf Expo decided to launch a resort show on the West Coast after witnessing the growth of resort apparel and accessories at its Surf Expo show in Orlando, Fla. Nearly half of the 2,100 exhibitors at that show carry resortwear, show officials said.
The show so far has secured Anita G, Apparel Ventures Inc., Basix USA, Flap Happy, French Dressing, Harari, Iolani Sportswear Ltd., Island Traditions of Hawaii, Natural High Lifestyle, Pantropic, Weekender and Wild Palms Inc. as exhibitors.
Cal Resort is planned for Aug. 19–20 and will feature a fashion show, cocktail party and complimentary lunch. For information, visit www.calresort.com. —Alison A. Nieder
