Industry 212 Draws International Crowd
Immediate orders and staple items for Spring were on buyers’ lists at Industry 212’s Holiday/Resort/Spring ’04 trade show, held Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York.
Novelty accessories, denim and sweaters were key items at the show, which featured better/ contemporary, junior, streetwear and contemporary/ young contemporary apparel and accessories. The show featured approximately 600 exhibitors with 3,000 lines, including Sue Wong, Bella Sole, Nikia, Jodi International, Betsy Gay Hart, Lip Service, Hollywood Jeans and Junk Food. Michele Marcombe, Zone 17, Afsara, J-Line, ChoCho Apparel and One 4 Four were just a few new exhibitors at the show. There were also several exhibitors from Japan, Israel and Turkey.
Organizers declined to give attendance figures but said the turnout was on par with last year’s. Retailers came from all across the United States, including from California and Washington, and from Japan, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Canada.
“There was a real sense of optimism among retailers at the show,” said Marilyn Harrington, general manager of Advanstar Communications’ East Coast fashion group. “Retailers were feeling more positive, and they were writing orders. Seychelles was so busy they asked the retailers to fill out the orders themselves.”
Show organizers also planned several special events, including tours of Manhattan’s NoLita district; complimentary makeovers on the show floor, provided by Chanel makeup artists from Macy’s at Herald Square; a party at The Copa for retailers and exhibitors; and a book signing by Lloyd Boston, a style contributor to NBC’s “Today Show” and the Style Network, for his book “Make Over Your Man.” —Claudia Figueroa
