California Apparel News

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any bigger, the massive trade-show circuit in Las Vegas grew this season. Retailers had nine shows and 10 venues to visit in the never-ending quest for sale-generating merchandise.

Even the giant anchor, MAGIC International, grew with new categories and sub-shows such as Contemporary Street, The Sourcing Show and Fabric@MAGIC.

Among the satellite shows were Women’s Wear in Nevada (WWIN), the upscale misses and plus-size show; Westcoast Exclusive (WCE), the upscale men’s show that launched in Las Vegas last year as a spinoff of WCE’s Los Angeles show; the Off-Price Specialist Show, now in its third season at the Sands Expo & Convention Center; and Pool, the young designer, contemporary and streetwear show that hosted its fourth show in Las Vegas.

The International Apparel Show, a new off-price contender, returned to Las Vegas, as did the ASAP Global Sourcing Show, which is in its second year.

A newcomer floated into the fold: the International Swimwear/Activewear Market (ISAM), with its collection of contemporary and junior swimwear. For years the show was held at the California Market Center in Los Angeles but has since been changing venues. It was held last October at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

Another newcomer to week was the International Western & English Lifestyle Market, a three-year-old show covering equestrian- themed apparel, accessories, gift and furniture show at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. For this show, organizers moved the date to coincide with the other tradeshows happening around town to capitalize on the crossover buying.

Traffic reports varied from show to show. Exhibitors at MAGIC at the Las Vegas Convention Center and WWDMAGIC at the Sands reported slower-than-anticipated traffic. Still, MAGIC organizers said preregistration was up 5 percent over last year, and the first-day registration lines snaked around the lobbies of the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Sands.

There were nearly 3,000 exhibitors at MAGIC International’s four shows: the MAGIC men’s show, WWDMAGIC for junior and contemporary lines, The Edge for alternative apparel and accessories, and MAGICKids for children’s apparel.

But business was strong at the satellite shows, particularly early in the week.

Exhibitors at Pool at the Alexis Park Resort were elated with the buyer turnout and the orders placed at the trade show for young designers.

“Everybody is writing—everybody is smiling,” said Larry Balag, a sales rep for Scribe, a contemporary streetwear line.

The first day was strong for WWIN. The show at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino grew to 105,000 square feet with the addition of a children’s show, Kidshow, which included about 60 exhibitors. Approximately 400 exhibitors showed more than 1,500 lines, according to WWIN Director Jeff Yunis, who said buyers from more than 1,000 accounts turned out on Aug. 25, the first day of the show.

Newcomer ISAM was also busy during its first day, according to exhibitors who set up space at the newly renovated Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Among the companies showing were Raj Manufacturing Inc., Robin Piccone, TNA by Lisa Lozano and L*Space. Show director Barbara Brady said 1,500 buyers registered to attend the event.

Westcoast Exclusive opened a day early, on Aug. 24, at the Rio. Buyers from upscale boutiques spent the day shopping among approximately 150 exhibitors showing nearly 300 lines, including Ted Baker London, Joseph Abboud, Cutter & Buck, de Amechi, Jhane Barnes and Ashworth.

The ASAP show also opened a day early and drew retailers, manufacturers and importers looking for new sourcing partners overseas. Much of the action took place off the show floor with a series of seminars hosted by the National Retail Federation and Sandler Travis & Rosenberg, a law firm that specializes in international trade and customs matters.