Off-Price Specialist Show Bucks Trends
The Off-Price Specialist Show moved to a new venue—the grand ballrooms of The Venetian hotel—for its Feb. 15–18 run, but that did not hamper traffic, as attendance was up 10 percent over the previous show. More than 1,100 were first-time attendees, indicating the show is drawing traffic from non-off-price stores. More than 10,000 buyers and industry professionals attended the show, said show executives.
The show features apparel in all categories and is priced 20 percent to 70 percent off of regular prices. It has been growing in recent seasons as demand for lower prices rises.
“The economy is partly responsible for us having a good show,” said Vice President David Lapidus. “Buyers have been coming up to me with good feedback. That doesn’t always happen.”
While demand is up for off-price goods, the sector still is being challenged by the economic slowdown.
“Our customers want value. Price points are going to be important. You can’t spend frivolously any more,” said Jerry Westheim of New York–based Biara Trading Co.
Other exhibitors such as Harvey Levine of New York–based M. Hidary & Co. were one of many childrenswear dealers grappling with the new regulations brought on by the Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which regulates the amount of lead content in clothing and other consumer products. Levine provided customers with compliance letters from manufacturers stating that their products met federal standards.
At the show, Schoolcraft, Mich.–based supplier Bermo Enterprises Inc. was celebrating its 35th year in business. Principal Tony Peters said during that time he has not seen the economy as bad as it is now.
“You trim your fat and make whatever changes are necessary and focus on what you know how to do,” he said. Peters added that buyers were investing in brands with perceived value. “The challenge is finding credit-worthy customers you can ship to, and that’s harder to do this year compared to last year.”
Bermo’s wholesale sales were flat in January while its retail division was slightly up, Peters said.
The Off-Price show will return to the Sands Expo & Convention Center in August. A scheduling conflict with the WSA Shoe Show prompted the detour for the most recent show. —Robert McAllister
