ASR Set for Spring 2003 Show in San Diego

The Action Sports Retailer Trade Expo (ASR) is gearing up for its Spring 2003 edition, which is set to take place in San Diego at the San Diego Convention Center Sept. 5–7. The theme of the show is “IT.”

“This is where [the show attendees] get ’IT,’” said Josh Woodbury, a spokesman for ASR. “They are the world’s top retail buyers, distributors and media and they converge upon [ASR] to see ’IT’—the action sports and youth lifestyle industry’s strongest brands and latest surf, skate, footwear, swim, streetwear and youth lifestyle products.”

ASR has not released anticipated numbers for attendance, but Woodbury said that expectations are high, even with the current tenuous economic climate.

“ASR’s show in Long Beach this past winter proved to everyone that the action sports and the youth culture and the buying power it controls is strong in economically challenging times,” he said. “This show should be no exception. Our booth count is on track to be right in line with last year.”

Among the larger exhibitors scheduled to show at ASR are Volcom, Hurley, Vans, Oakley, DC Shoes, Etnies, Reef, Quiksilver and Billabong. Other noteworthy exhibitors include 26 Red Sugar, David & Goliath, Paul Frank (furniture/men’s), Puma, Stussy and Triple 5 Soul.

Special events at the show include the Grind King Biggest Gap Contest, which will award $10,000 for the longest ramp-to-ramp skateboard transfer; the ASR Industry Party, featuring the Cadillac Tramps; the Three Part Mix (an art exhibit, deejay lounge and silent art auction combined at a cocktail party); the Street Course Demos; and the Vert Ramp Demos.

The show will also feature a slate of seminars on such topics as “the anthropology of the consumer,” advertising and branding, and securing financing.

Established in 1981, ASR and the ASR Official Show Guide are devoted to the business of retailers, manufacturers, associations, sales reps, media and marketers in the surf, skate, swim, footwear, resort, urban streetwear and youth lifestyle marketplace.

Organized by VNU Expositions, ASR produces four trade shows each year, with events in Atlantic City, N.J.; Huntington Beach, Calif.; and Long Beach, Calif., in addition to the San Diego exposition.