Mood Up at WWIN Show
LAS VEGAS—The mood was upbeat at the Aug. 20–23 run of the Women Wear in Nevada (WWIN) show at the Rio All-Suite Hotel.The show, which features updated apparel and accessories, typically draws a strong turnout of buyers prepared to buy, and this season was no exception. But still, reps reported an improved mood on the show floor.“There’s a light atmosphere here—it’s refreshing,” said Margaret Cox of M&M Sales, which represents Lindy, Insight, Spanner and Mycra Pak.Cox said she was getting a lot of response to color. “They’re willing to step out of the box and try something new,” she noted.
Irma Castillo was back at WWIN with her Viva Bags of California handbag line after several seasons away from the show. “Yesterday was very busy,” she said on the second day of the show.Castillo has been exhibiting at different trade shows looking for a good fit for her line, which features a broad mix of styles from classic to edgy.“I decided to do more local shows in San Francisco, Denver and Arizona, and I thought it time to go back [to WWIN],” she said.Castillo booked appointments with several of her key accounts and landed some new business, as well.“Most who have written business are new customers or people who used to write the line,” she said.
“Monday was as if we died and went to heaven,” said Pat Steimac, who was representing the Staples collection, which is carried in her sister’s showroom, Arlene Henry Sales.
“Everybody was so happy; everybody was busy. They were happy to be here and happy to buy. We couldn’t work the customers fast enough.”Linda French & Co. had the same reaction to the Color Me Cotton and Click collections, said owner Linda French. “Monday was off the hook—just fabulous,” she said. “People are saying their businesses are doing well and they’re ready to buy.” French said buyers were responding well to color and print and were willing to take more risks, and several were placing Spring orders rather than keeping close to season.—A.A.N.
