Coming into our June markets here at the Dallas Market Center, many of us -- including exhibitors -- didn’t really know what to expect. Certainly, the business climate is a tough one with lots of issues out there impacting retailers and suppliers.
So, in my conversations with our visitors and showrooms and walking around our five million square feet I have to tell you I was not only pleasantly surprised but also encouraged by what I heard and saw. Throughout our Apparel & Accessories Market, KidsWorld, Total Home & Gift Market and Lightovation shows I felt an energy out there and optimism for business going forward.
We continued to welcome more first-time buyers to Dallas, a trend that began during the pandemic and has not let up since. Our overall attendance was strong for a summer cycle, with both independents and larger retailers, as many buyers came in because they wanted to meet in-person with their vendors and see the new merchandise up close. Exhibitors said they were encouraged by both the level and size of order-writing.
We know the current conditions can be unsettling. It’s why we’ve been aggressive in dealing with tariffs through our “Stand With Main Street” campaign but also with a number of educational seminars and events during our markets that provided important information for market-goers. We will continue to be out in front of this issue no matter what happens next.
And while what it is that will happen next remains uncertain we sure felt more confident for the future after our June markets. Here in Dallas, there’s always another market coming up -- men’s wear is next -- so there’s not much time to catch our breath. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Cindy Morris,
President and CEO, Dallas Market Center