June Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld Market Welcome Buyers, Promote Health & Safety
—Attendance at first summer trade events is more than 85% of previous year; boost of new buyers; exceed all expectations to support retail rebound—
DALLAS – July 1, 2020 – Dallas Market Center, the only lifestyle marketplace in North America and the center of style from both coasts, supported retail’s rebound with a successful Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld Market, June 23-26. The concurrent events, which were the first held since retail began to reopen in the region, offered buyers new brands and best-selling styles for business recovery and growth while debuting comprehensive health and safety measures.
The results exceeded all expectations, with attendance more than 85% of the previous year and consistent order writing throughout the socially distant marketplace. As well, the number of new buyers dramatically increased, totaling more than 17% of overall attendance. Buyers visited mainly from the immediate region but also arrived from more than 30 states across the Central U.S. and Southeast.
Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center, commented: “Retailers are moving forward, and they’re eager to re-stock and renew their business. Frankly, we didn’t know quite what to expect so we are thrilled with attendance and with the feedback. Buyers arrived from many different locations, they were comfortable and cautiously confident in their order writing. Supported by strong new health measures, the Dallas marketplace is safe, wide-open, and ready to serve customers this summer.”
The recent markets featured more than 400 showrooms open for business—approximately 70% of usual showrooms--plus more than 80 temps. Given the refreshing range of available options, buyers focused on apparel and accessories immediate delivery items as well as fall and holiday styles from the women’s and western showrooms on the 15th, 14th, and 13th floors as well as in the temps. KidsWorld Market welcomed childrenswear buyers seeking every category of products for newborns to teens.
“It’s been a great market,” said Rhonda Taub, co-owner of the Doug Taub showroom. “We’ve gotten people from all over the country … and a lot of new buyers. They felt like they wanted to get their goods early … and they’re coming back again in August [when] they’re going to do gift and also apparel.”
“It’s been overwhelming awesome,” said Jaime Glas from Sparkle City, a Temps exhibitor. “We’ve been busy this whole time … and now we’re really prepared for the next market. We have a lot of orders to go through!”
“Customers were coming in like crazy, and we actually did better than a year ago,” said Barry Fox of Corky’s Footwear. “The market did a good job of promoting. We had a lot of new business, customers felt safe…and they were very positive.”
“I love coming to Dallas … this is by far my favorite show to work,” said Jessica Nelson of Chinese Laundry. “We’re grateful for the protections put in place, and we’ve been really happy to be here. You could barely get in here on Thursday … we have seen as many new buyers as existing buyers.”
“It’s been great—we have a lot of returning customers, quite a few new customers, and it’s been very busy,” said Trevor Brunt with B. b. Lila Jewelry, a Temps exhibitor. “The market is so busy … we even had new customers from Michigan and Minnesota.”
New Health & Safety Guidelines
The show marked the debut of new health and safety measures to ensure that Dallas Market Center is safe to visit and promotes good health and strict social distancing. New guidelines included requiring temperature checks for every visitor every day, mandatory masks, and social distancing. Operational changes included deep cleaning, no gatherings and limited food options such as individually packaged and to-go food service from multiple outlets. Along with these new steps, there are safety measures that are part of the design of the marketplace: open parking, large entryways, quick registration in multiple areas, wide hallways, multiple escalators, and showrooms with controlled access to allow for the appropriate distance between customers. While on campus everyone was instructed to follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control regarding good hygiene, sanitation, and social distancing.
Socially Distant Events and Seminars
In line with health and safety guidelines, most events went virtual for the show. Those included:
Virtual Discovery Tour with Rawlins: Apparel Items Guaranteed to Sell
Nationally-recognized retail expert Rawlins Gilliland toured showrooms with the film crew and highlighted profitable and exciting lines and products.
Virtual Discovery Tour with Rawlins: Fresh & Profitable Fashion Accessories & Footwear
Rawlins Gilliland spotlighted on-trend accessories & footwear throughout market to generate quick-sell success.
Virtual Q&A Session with Laura Young, President of Sales & Marketing at Brighton
Laura discussed her insights on recent events and the response the brand is taking, which centers around the mission and values of the company.
Virtual Seminar with Mercedes Gonzalez: Positioning Yourself for Sales Increases
Retail expert Mercedes Gonzalez shared her insight on how businesses can see an increase in sales and growth during this unique time.
Additional Summer Trade Events
Upcoming trade events offer buyers a safe and welcoming marketplace. Those events include July 1st Monday & Tuesday (July 6-7), July Open House (July 21-23), August 1st Monday & Tuesday (August 3-4), Total Home & Gift Market (August 19-25), Dallas Lighting Expo (August 19-22), and August Apparel & Accessories Market, KidsWorld Market, and Western Market (August 25-28).. Buyers are encouraged to check the website for a list of open showrooms and call ahead for confirmation and to make an appointment.
About Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center is a global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America connecting retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in home décor, furniture, gifts, lighting and fashion. Inside its dynamic, five million square foot campus, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education and new products from exhibitors throughout the year via dominant trade events for gift, home décor, holiday and floral; the nation’s most comprehensive apparel and accessories markets featuring the latest styles from East Coast and West Coast designers; the world’s largest western marketplace, opening in 2021; the largest residential lighting trade event in North America; and the largest and most successful open-daily design center. The marketplace is located in the strongest economic zone in the country. In addition, more than 80 percent of Dallas Market Center buyers report that they do not shop other market centers. To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center and Lightovation Apps. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the Dallas Market Center blog.
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