OffPrice Offers Broad Mix
Off-price buyers got an early start when the OffPrice show opened its doors on Aug. 19 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center. The show, which ran through Aug. 22, featured a wide range of merchandise, including traditional off-price apparel, accessories and footwear, as well as trend-driven merchandise priced competitively with other off-price items.
The off-price business fared better than other segments of the market in recent years as retailers looked for discounted merchandise to offer cash-strapped consumers. But demand for promotionally priced items peaked as manufacturers began cutting back on inventory, forcing off-price merchants to get creative.
Tony Pas, owner of Los Angeles–based American Fusion, produces a range of branded and off-price merchandise, which he describes as “fashion at close-out prices.” The company produces 40 to 50 new styles each month and allows its customers to test styles in a variety of fabrications. “You can test as many as you want,” he said.Returning exhibitor Bobby Eisenber of LaPogee was pleased with the turnout.
“We always do well at this show,” he said. The New York–based company carries rayon crepe and chiffon tops and dresses made in Delhi and Bangladesh.Nanci J. Chung, owner of Temple City, Calif.–based Silly Yeti Imports, was showing for the second time at OffPrice, in hopes of connecting with distributors. The company imports apparel and accessories from Nepal and warehouses in the Los Angeles area. Eileen Burke was also showing imported items at OffPrice. The retailer and owner of Queen Eileen’s retail store in Encinitas, Calif., was showing at OffPrice for the first time. Six years ago, she began importing jewelry and apparel from Indonesia and decided to show at OffPrice in the cash-and-carry jewelry section of the show. In recent seasons, OffPrice show organizers have boosted their footwear offerings. “We like the idea,” said Connie Chee, owner of City of Industry, Calif.–based Blossom Footwear, showing for the second time at the show. Blossom manufactures shoes in China and warehouses them in Southern California. The company also had booths at FN Platform and at Footsteps at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
