A Record-Setting Dallas Western Market

The market was attended by more western stores but also by more buyers across store types that buy western products: women’s apparel stores, men’s apparel stores, fashion accessories stores, gift stores and home décor stores.

“This was the most successful March market in several years. Over the past two years we have experienced a 45% gain in attendance by western stores seeking what only Dallas delivers: an unmatched selection of leading western products complemented by additional products such as apparel and accessories, gift and home décor. As more retailers seek unique products and diversify their merchandise mix, we are creating a comprehensive western lifestyle marketplace.”

New exhibitors debuting in March joined returning brands who reported a successful show including opening many new accounts.

Lucchese’s Michael Lawlor, vice president of western sales, commented: “We had a solid increase in business versus last year, and we were very pleased with the March show in Dallas.”

Added Stan Redding, national sales manager for American Hat: “Dallas is always a good show for us because of the nice mix of loyal customers and new business that we get done. We had a great show.”

The Dallas show’s legendary hospitality and entertainment included The Territory party on Wednesday with cocktails, light bites and live music from singer-songwriter Leighton Fields. Thursday featured Western Wake-Up breakfast and the Lone Star Corral, an all-market party that welcomed hundreds of guests with live music by country cover band Southern Chrome, drinks and bites, a custom hat experience by Warbonnet Hat Works, Heel-O-Matic roping practice, a GIF photo booth, and a western runway show. The runway procession of the hottest looks from dozens of western manufacturers provided high-energy retail inspiration. The show featured special celebrity emcee Dale Brisby and guest designer Pat Dahnke, celebrating her 50th anniversary in business. On Friday, buyers enjoyed the Boots & Brews event with models showcasing the latest western looks as well as appetizers and beers.

In addition to entertainment, helpful seminars provided the latest insights from business leaders. A two-part retail intensive series presented by Mercedes Gonzalez, owner of Global Purchasing Group and author of "Chronicles of a Fashion Buyer,” had a standing room crowd, and The Boutique Hub’s Ashley Alderson hosted “Maximizing Your Strategies for 2019.”

To help with inspiration and trends, a trio of top social media influencers served as official “StyleEyes” for the show. Geena Marcuzzo (@cityraisedfarmsaved), Ashley Wagner (@ashleywagner505), and Shaley Ham (@westdesperado) highlighted their favorite Western styles and accessories on their trendsetting Instagram accounts, giving audiences a first look into the latest must-have fashions.

Exhibitors that received visual merchandising awards included Ariat for Best Boot Booth, Texas True Threads for Best Apparel Booth, Outlaw Woman for Best Hat/ Accessories Booth, and Southern Grace for Best In Show.

The next Dallas Western Market takes place August 21 – 24, 2019. Dallas Market Center features hundreds of western lifestyle brands serving retail buyers from across the U.S. and internationally. In fact, no other marketplace in the world attracts more buyers seeking western and western-inspired products.

That unique appeal extends outside of the marketplace into the city of Dallas, where nearby accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment options are plentiful, convenient, and affordable. To that end, according to Business Travel News, Dallas offers lower total business travel costs than most U.S. tradeshow destinations including Denver, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. Centrally located within a short travel time from any location in the U.S. and Latin America, Dallas Market Center has more than 5,000 hotel rooms available within one mile including numerous budget options as well as hundreds of nearby restaurants.

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 western apparel and accessories, home décor, furniture, gifts, lighting and fashion for women, men, and children. Inside its dynamic, five million square foot campus near downtown Dallas, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education and new products via open-daily showrooms and from exhibitors participating in trade events held throughout the year. The Dallas Market Center website is available at dallasmarketcenter.com.