We’ve all seen companies practice the “one-and-done” technique of remodeling, restructuring or otherwise updating their businesses and then moving on. We also know this is generally a bad idea. Reinvesting in your business is an ongoing process and you need to constantly be looking at what you should be doing next.
At DMC that is a constant process as we continue to reinvest in both revenue and non-revenue-generating opportunities to position us for future success. This takes in a broad range of physical improvements you see, such as cosmetic upgrades like removing the carpet on the second floor of the World Trade Center, and polishing the floor, to give it a fresh new look. But it’s also creating a new website, something we invested a lot of resources to build over many months. The new site debuted earlier this fall.
But it also includes much broader efforts, like our Nearshoring show which debuted last year. For 2026 we have created a matchmaking format that runs concurrently with our January shows and allows factories to meet directly with brands to talk about sourcing opportunities.
We’ve also invested in several of our other shows and neighborhoods. For example, our Western & English marketplace recently expanded, and in the Trade Mart there is an exterior lighting display being constructed on the third floor.
Thinking toward the future that’s unfolding very quickly, we are studying how exciting technology including AI can your help your business become more efficient and grow. We can do all of these things more nimbly as a family-owned company considering the long term rather than being consumed with short term results. Frankly, that’s a mindset unique to Dallas compared with others.
All of this is on my mind as we get to the end of the year, which means we are working on budgets and planning for 2026. It’s hard work and it takes a lot of thought to figure out what you can and can’t do going forward.
Warren Buffet, who has been pretty good at investing in his businesses, says you need to know that you shouldn’t be scared of taking chances on new initiatives if you’ve thought it all out. “Risk,” he says, “comes from not knowing what you're doing."
Cindy Morris,
President and CEO, Dallas Market Center
