ASD Show Specializes in Immediate Items
LAS VEGAS—ASD—the long-running business-to-business trade show that sells general merchandise including souvenirs and novelties, makeup, affordable fashion accessories, jewelry, electronics, sporting goods, home-improvement products, and more—took over the Las Vegas Convention Center Aug. 8–11.
The show, which included more than 3,000 exhibitors and was estimated to have attracted 50,000 attendees, grew its focus on beauty and style this season, according to Lori Higgins, ASD’s group marketing director.
Included in the expanded 270,000-square-foot style and beauty section were hosiery, handbags, sunglasses, costume jewelry, scarves, perfumes, cosmetics, belts, luggage and wallet manufacturers and importers.
The show, which attracts independent boutiques and small businesses as well as large chain retail stores, offered immediately available goods and cash-and-carry products.
Triple 7 Global Inc., a Los Angeles–based manufacturer of trendy handbags that sell in stores such as Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom, made its ASD debut in the expanded style and beauty section. Triple 7’s Dina Mahallinna said the show offered the company the opportunity to connect with independent retailers that perhaps don’t shop more mainstream apparel and accessories trade shows.
Triple 7—which sells handbags under the Maja, Street Level and 7Chi labels—brought its Fall 2010 collections to the show. “Buyers at this show aren’t interested in our Spring 2011 collection yet; they are looking for at-once offerings,” Mahallinna said. “Everything in the booth is available in-stock.” she said. Designer-inspired handbags—including prim purses, cross-body messenger bags and jeweled hard-case clutches—did well at ASD.—Erin Barajas
