Traffic Down, But Some Business Good at D&A
A battered economy led many businesspeople to forecast a poor market at the Designers and Agents show, held March 20–22 at The New Mart and the Cooper Design Space; however, some vendors said their sales defied expectations.
D&A veteran vendor Majestic Mills S.A. had a steady stream of appointments throughout the market, said label owner Brian Cytrynbaum. “The sentiment might be bleak, but people are writing orders,” he said. The premium-knits maker manufactures garments typically retailing for $65– $200.
Another vendor, Christys London, forecast flat sales for the recent D&A market. However, Christys London sales representative Ben DeLuca said spending time at the market was worth it because overseas buyers, including ones from Parisian department store Le Bon Marche, made orders. Vendor Kristi Paras, who is with label Zachary’s Smile, said low retailer traffic defeated the purpose of renting a show booth. “Booths are big advertisements, and if no one goes to the show, is it worth it?” she said.
D&A co-producer Ed Mandelbaum contended that a high quality of deals could counter lower attendance for vendors and buyers. Show attendance for buyers and other guests declined 15 percent compared with the same show in the previous year. Exhibitors declined 24 percent. “D&A is committed to quality, not quantity,” Mandelbaum said. “We will continue to hold onto our integrity during this economic slowdown.”
Competition from showrooms might have increased during this market because some vendors took a break from trade shows and subleased space in showrooms to save cash, said Alisa Loftin, owner of the Los Angeles–based Aero & Co. boutique. A 10x10 booth at D&A cost $3,500. Loftin’s smaller buying budget also made for a less frenzied trip to D&A. “I feel a little more relaxed,” she said. “I don’t need to spend as much. As long as I find a few gems, it is mission accomplished.” —Andrew Asch
