August was a great month to do business in Dallas. Attendance at our Apparel & Accessories Market, KidsWorld, WESA’s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market, and the AETA International Trade Show were at a five-year high. 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.
During the August 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. Cash & Carry showrooms remained a key draw for retailers seeking ready-to-purchase merchandise to immediately refresh their assortments.
“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, confirming that Dallas markets continue to draw buyers from coast to coast.
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.
When asked about the KidsWorld Market, Brittany Rigg, director of leasing, gift & children’s apparel said “The atmosphere at KidsWorld was upbeat, and it was exciting to see so many new exhibitors and first-time buyers connecting with our marketplace; they loved the energy and layout. I already have temporary exhibitors planning to come back after the success they had in Dallas.”
Longtime exhibitor Jill Griffith, owner, Cultivated Kids, added “The market went very well, and we saw continued to see more stores from across the country. 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.”
For the WESA Market, Dallas continues to be the Number One marketplace in the world for retailers seeking best-sellers and trending styles in western apparel, accessories and footwear.
“It was another success for members and buyers,” said Sophia Jagella, marketing specialist for the 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 10th floor hosted the AETA International Trade Show temporaries for new styles of apparel, accessories, footwear, tack, and more. AETA exhibitors were located across from the Western and English expansion, with showrooms representing apparel, accessories, and equipment from leading English brands.
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. “And 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.”