California Apparel News

In the days leading up to the many apparel and textile trade shows in Las Vegas, many exhibitors feared the slow economy would translate into equally slow traffic and sluggish sales.

But with 14 trade shows spread across six days and 10 venues, the sprawling trade show lineup drew buyers from both specialty boutiques and major retailers. Many of those buyers were filling in existing inventory with Immediate goods and discounts seemed to be de rigeuer, but there were orders to be had and business to be done.

Some shows—notably the Off-Price Specialist Show and MRket—reported an uptick in traffic this season. The trimmed-down Project Global Trade Show maintained its position as a must-attend event. ENK Vegas, now in its second season, and Capsule, which debuted at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, earned high praise for product mix and ambiance.

And the remerchandised MAGIC Marketplace scored high with many retailers and exhibitors who shopped the seamless lineup of Premium at MAGIC, S.L.A.T.E. at MAGIC, Streetwear and Pooltradeshow. MAGIC’s Ecollection exhibitors were happy in their new home in the always-bustling WWDMAGIC section. And Sourcing at MAGIC settled into its new venue at the Hilton Convention Center. (MAGIC’s plans to launch its Hispanic-themed MAGIA show were scaled back to a few exhibitors and an information booth. Show organizers plan a full launch in the future.)

Christian Audigier’s When I Move You Move show honed its focus to primarily Audigier’s many labels and licensees. Accessories The Show and Moda Las Vegas drew a steady stream of upscale updated and accessories buyers, and Women’s Wear in Nevada continued to draw its loyal customer base.

After several seasons of competing as lingerie trade shows, CurveNV and Boutique Lingerie, which share space at The Venetian, returned as the main venue for lingerie exhibitors. And independent sourcing show ASAP Global Sourcing returned with a trim list of exhibitors showing in The Venetian, as well.

Everyone had an opinion about the new shows, new formats and new venues—and the future occupants of the now-vacant South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center (see the California Apparel News story on Feb. 20 for more information).

(For more photos from Las Vegas, click here.)