Tom-Tom Sales
California Market Center Suite A265 (213) 622-1626 tomtomsales1@aol.com
For most of his 5frac12; years at the California Market Center, Tom Thomas has worked alongside business partners. He’s on his own now and has renamed and repositioned his second-floor showroom.
Remaining is a well-rounded group of established specialty lines offering day and eveningwear in the misses, updated and contemporary categories.
From Lynn Ritchie’s knit and wovens to novelty separates from Think Tank, there’s usually something for everyone at wholesale prices from $20 to $150. Other lines include In Suede, with sueded jackets and coats from $89; Donna, with novelty tops and bottoms from $20 to $50; Pleats Collection, with novelty separates from $20 to $49; and & Danielle, with trousers and separates from $40 to $70.
There’s not much turnover in lines in Thomas’ showroom, so buyers can usually reorder and find merchandise in stock. “I don’t flip lines here. I try to work them,” Thomas said.
The showroom is usually packed during markets. Thomas offers an upbeat atmosphere with music, catered food (he sways between Greek and Italian) and friendly service. Thomas often gives away trinkets, such as flashlight key chains. He is participating with second-floor showroom owners and raffling off airline tickets and gas vouchers during June’s Los Angeles Fashion Market.
But if buyers can’t come to the showroom, Thomas brings it to them. In between shows, he’s often on the road, visiting stores throughout the West. “A lot of the stores don’t have the staff to come to the markets like they used to, so I do lots of road work,” he said. —Robert McAllister
