The June Apparel & Accessories Market here at the Dallas Market Center on June 11 through 14 shattered records for total attendance as well as new buyer attendees, hitting the highest numbers in more than five years.
The show attracted more U.S. buyers from the Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and West as well as more international buyers. The attendance gains included a 63% increase in buyers attending from the southeastern U.S., the sweet spot for the Dallas Market Center.
Once they got here, retailers benefited from reviewing new collections and top brands inside the largest marketplace in North America for women’s, men’s and children’s apparel, accessories and footwear, as well as our rapidly expanding Western apparel and accessories floors. Buyers also explored gift and home décor showrooms in advance of the Total Home & Gift Market and KidsWorld, which took place later in June.
“Our growth as a global marketplace has accelerated as we welcome more buyers from across the country and internationally,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Retailers post-pandemic are choosing Dallas as their preferred marketplace for ease of travel, inspiration, breadth of resources, and safety. We lead the way on all four priorities, and we are also the home of the hottest trend in America—Western contemporary.”
Among the buyers attending the market were thousands of independent boutiques as well as major stores and multi-location retailers including Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus, Julian Gold, Buc-ee’s, Monkee’s, Scheels, Sun & Ski Sports, Tylers and Von Maur, to name but a few.
Adding to the show traffic were attendees of the Boutique Hub Summit, held on campus. Founder and president Ashley Alderson noted: “Our attendees and vendors had an amazing experience, two days of packed education experiences, and always appreciate the DMC hospitality. We saw hundreds of our attendees stay for the apparel show, many of whom reported they were first-time Dallas buyers. We look forward to collaborating again in the future.”
All of this bodes well for upcoming events in Dallas, including:
Apparel & Accessories Market (August 13-16), KidsWorld (August 13-16), WESA’s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market (August 14-17) and the AETA International Trade Show (August 14-16).