Bright Spots at MRket Show
The MRket menswear show, held Aug. 31–Sept. 2 at The Venetian, benefited from the initial spurt of traffic during its first two days and reported gains in retail attendance of 17 percent and 5 percent respectively, said Larry Hymes, director of sales.
“The mood was upbeat. There was a positive vibe. People were writing orders. It is the last show of the season, so this was one of their final chances,” Hymes said.
The show features mostly high-end and luxury apparel and accessories from a mix of European and American brands.
Reps selling European labels were still struggling with keeping prices in check because of unfavorable exchange rates between the dollar and euro.
Jeffery Roberts of Mesa, Ariz.–based showroom European Fashion Group said the sub-$200 price point was especially critical.
“If it goes over that, there tends to be a decline in sales in stores, so we will be working with our factories on that for next season,” he said.
Roberts said he thinks business will probably see a short-term improvement.
“We’ve found a leveling-off point,” he said. “It’s obvious many stores under-bought for fall. They’re filling in size runs, and that’s what you like to see, but I don’t think they are going to go crazy even if they end up in a sold-out position.”
At MRket, the company did well with five-pocket pants in garment washes and fade-out finishes—anything that provided for an antiqued effect.
Hymes, who reps T-shirt line Ichiban and shirting line Apricot Tree, added that wovens and knitwear are probably the best-selling categories in menswear right now.
“A lot of stores were looking at what they could pick up in the next month,” he said. “I think we’ve stabilized and have already bottomed out. There are some bright spots even thought it’s still tough, and it will be challenging over the next few months.”
Hymes added that many buyers were keying in on proven labels.
“I think that could be a mistake,” he said. “If you have something that looks different, it could be the difference.”
Woody Woodworth of Sonoma, Calif.–based Loudmouth Golf was trying to make that statement at the show with the company’s colorful pants and sportscoats featuring bright colors and prints.
“We are trying to appeal to a broader market [than golf],” he said. “We’re looking at more fine men’s stores. What happens is that we found men can find equal place in wearing our pants in a bar, restaurant or walking down the street in addition to the golf course.” —Robert McAllister
