Thanks to an increased interest in western fashions, as well as buyers stocking up on toys and fashionable accessories, Dallas Market Center says its August shows had the best attendance in five years. The milestone attendance was for participation across its Apparel & Accessories Market, KidsWorld, WESA‘s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market, and the AETA International Trade Show. In addition to the total attendance record, the market welcomed more new stores than in the past four years, significant growth from key U.S. regions, and an increase of nearly 100 percent in international buyers, according to DMC.
“The August markets underscored the strength of our marketplace and our national draw,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “We saw growth across every retail category, with more new stores, and gains from every U.S. region as buyers confidently placed orders from exhibitors across our marketplace.”
Attendance gains were noted from the immediate region as well as the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West.
Western Appeal Draws in Buyers
With pop icons like Beyoncé and Post Malone putting western fashion in the spotlight, even more consumers are adding cowboy flair to their everyday attire, which was great news for WESA’s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market.
From timeless classics to the trending tones, cuts and styles appealing to a new generation of western-loving consumers, the market delivered what is in demand at western stores and contemporary boutiques across the U.S.
“The recent WESA Trade Show was another success for members and buyers,” said Sophia Jagella, marketing specialist at Western & English Sales Association. “This August, innovation took center stage with new exhibitors, exciting products, and the Most Innovative Product Award. Although the August edition is the smaller of the two biannual shows, it continues to grow each year with more buyers, more exhibitors, and strong momentum evident from the very first days of the show.”
Chaedrea Kenley of Double J Saddlery added, “We were impressed with the quality of buyers who are committed to American-made products, which means a lot to us as a family business. The combination of Dallas Market and WESA continues to be a winning formula for our brand and our customers.”
The American Equestrian Trade Association (AETA) show on the 10th floor presented new styles of apparel, accessories, footwear, tack, and more in temporary booths. AETA exhibitors were located across from the Western and English expansion of permanent showrooms featuring additional apparel, accessories, and equipment from leading English brands. Retailers from across the U.S. and internationally who are in the business of riding competition and lifestyle descended on Dallas for the largest selection of products.
To meet retailer demand for immediate product, the Cash & Carry temps were also located on the 10th floor, offering a wide selection of on-trend, ready-to-purchase items.
“We were completely booked with appointments and saw great traffic throughout the show,” said Amy Schade MacDonald, US Agent for Ego7, Trust Equestrian, Sixteen Cypress and Welligogs. “The attendees were so happy to buy all the new goods we were offering. The market layout is easy to navigate, and Dallas is a fun and productive place to do business. I love attending markets there!”
“The AETA Market has been an important expansion for me and a perfect fit for my equestrian-inspired pieces,” said Lisa Peterson, owner and designer of V2 Designs. “Selling from a permanent showroom during Apparel & Accessories markets gave me a strong foundation, but joining AETA has helped me grow sales even further. The show is fun, busy, and filled with customers.”
Buyers Stock Up on Fashionable Items
During the Apparel & Accessories Market, buyers explored new and expanded resources across all apparel and accessories categories, with an interest in both permanent and temporary exhibitors offering a wide range of apparel, footwear and accessories. DMC representatives say its Cash & Carry exhibitors remained a key draw for retailers seeking ready-to-purchase merchandise to immediately refresh their assortments, along with orders for on-trend merchandise for the next season.
The final Apparel & Accessories Market of the year will take place October 21–24.
KidsWorld Offered Fresh Finds and New Exhibitors
Buyers were able to find fresh merchandise for children during KidsWorld, which also welcomed new exhibitors to the 8th floor. KidsWorld Studio also brought new and returning temporary exhibitors for even more selection.
“The market went very well, and we continued to see more stores from across the country,” said longtime exhibitor Jill Griffith, owner of Cultivated Kids. “Buyers appreciate the ease of travel and the convenience of having everything under one roof. Sales remain strong, and despite some concern about the economy, the overall outlook is positive.”
