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Summer Show Exhibitors Hopeful About Economic Picture

Better Focus Expected After Election

The summer trade shows saw buyers converging on the major markets once again. While economic challenges have continued since the pandemic shut downs, many exhibitors expressed optimism for the future, once the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. Presidential election is past.

Buyers Stream Into the July, 2024, trade show at AmericasMart in Atlanta.
(Photo by AmericasMart.)

“Inflation, higher costs and political uncertainty are squeezing disposable income, affecting our industry’s discretionary spending,” said Randy Eller, president of Eller Enterprises. "Nevertheless, retailers who are weathering the economic challenges are actively engaging in markets, resulting in steady traffic and strong performance across multiple product lines."

Atlanta

“All in all, this was a great Market for us. We exceeded our appointment numbers every day, so we’re feeling confident and optimistic about the upcoming year,” said Rory Rehmert, Castelle president, an Atlanta exhibitor.

"Our Summer Atlanta Market was filled with our long-standing clients and designers alongside new faces,” said Mia McMurray, executive vice president, furniture at Classic Home. “Trade shows like Atlanta Market enable us to make a lasting impression, foster new connections and strengthen existing ones, which positions us for what is already projected to be a successful 2025.”

Atlanta Market welcomed a diverse cross-section of buyers, including attendees from all 50 states – plus Puerto Rico, District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands – and nearly 50 international countries. This market saw a significant increase in apparel buyers, up 8% compared to last Summer, as they took advantage of the full cross-shopping opportunity available during Atlanta Market (source).

Dallas

The June 11-14 Apparel & Accessories Market in Dallas broke attendance records for total attendance and new buyer attendance, according to Dallas Market Center. The show had a higher total attendance and higher number of new buyers than in more than five years, including more U.S. buyers attending from the Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, and West as well as more international buyers. The attendance gains included a 63% increase in buyers attending from the southeastern U.S. (source)

Sales results for the show were shared by exhibitor Julie Vos, a top fashion accessories brand: “We have been exhibiting in Dallas since 2016, and this June show has been our strongest turnout yet!” said vice president of wholesale Marissa Alfano.” Sales were up 48% compared to last June. We look forward to future successful markets and continued partnership.”

Mike Stevison, president of multi-line showroom Dressed 2 Kill, which has added new collections across multiple categories, commented: “Wow, the June show was amazing and we were thrilled. We saw lots of out of territory buyers who said their businesses were doing well and they came to Dallas to look for new ideas and trends. We picked up new accounts and look forward to a great summer.”

Las Vegas

Jacob Gerson, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of The Gerson Companies, reported, “ Even during challenging times, Market remains our most effective marketing tool. It generates the highest number of leads compared to any other method, as nothing showcases our merchandise better than a physical setting that allows us to get in front of our customers.”

Johne Albanese, Hooker Furnishings president and CMO, added, “Our strategic planning remains tilted toward the long term. We remain rock solid in our belief that, despite the current challenges, our industry will ultimately benefit from the inevitable pendulum swing back toward growth. Bolstered by strong demographic and psychographic positives within the nation’s consumer base, a pent-up demand for home purchases, continued strong employment and record income levels, we are committed to our key strategies.”

Beyond exhibits, the Summer 2024 edition was marked by excitement surrounding business, design and trend education and gatherings. Standing-room-only seminars, including keynotes by Roger Thomas, Kathy Kuo and Alaina Kaz of The Everygirl, provided valuable insights. Community-building events, such as an exclusive designer soiree at Wynn and Giftbeat’s Retailer Roundtable encouraged networking and inspiration, and engaging on-site activations allowed buyers to experience products in new ways (source).

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