DMC Considers Weekday Markets
The Dallas Market Center is considering shifting future market schedules away from the current weekend format to a weekday schedule, DMC officials said.
The center houses FashionCenter Dallas, the main venue for apparel showrooms on the expansive campus. DMC officials recently polled exhibitors and buyers at “town-hall” meetings in Dallas, New York and Los Angeles. More than 80 percent of those surveyed were in favor of a Sunday–Wednesday market instead of the current Thursday–Sunday pattern.
Because of arrangements with hotels for accommodations, the market schedule at DMC is locked in through 2006. DMC officials said any changes would come in 2007. However, they said that no formal decision has been made.
“We’ve seen some changes in traffic patterns,” noted DMC representative Cole Daugherty. “Since 9/11, retailers want to spend more time with their families. They want to be in their stores during the busiest periods of the week. With specialty stores, many are closed on Sundays.”
Since opening the 1-million-square-foot FashionCenterDallas in Spring 2004, DMC show organizers have seen an uptick in national traffic at the center.
“These discussions are the result of a vigilant evaluation of how to continue to energize markets in Dallas, offering not only a first-rate facility and leading merchandise but also superior timing that brings more retail buyers through the front doors and makes their trip to market more efficient,” said DMC President Bill Winsor in a statement.
Alan Sealove, chief executive officer of Victoria Royal and president of the New York Fashion Council, added: “Working together with manufacturers across the country and building consensus among the leadership is to be applauded. Dallas places serious resources against planning markets that are successfully timed and executed.”
The next Women’s & Children’s Apparel & Accessories Market at DMC takes place Jan. 26–29.
Market information and schedules can be seen at www.dallasmarketcenter.com. —Robert McAllister
