Dallas Market Center Records Highest August Market Attendance in Five Years
Thursday, September 4, 2025
—Buyers from coast to coast track trends, discover new brands inside the most complete marketplace for apparel and accessories—
DALLAS – Dallas Market Center, the leading wholesale marketplace in North America for the business of apparel and accessories, reports the best attendance in five years across Apparel & Accessories Market, KidsWorld, WESA’s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market, and the AETA International Trade Show. In addition to the total attendance record, the market welcomed more new stores than in the past four years, significant growth from key U.S. regions, and an increase of nearly 100% in international buyers.
“The August markets underscored the strength of our marketplace and our national draw,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “We saw growth across every retail category, with more new stores, and gains from every U.S. region as buyers confidently placed orders from exhibitors across our marketplace.’
Attendance gains were noted from the immediate region as well as the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and West, confirming that Dallas markets continue to draw buyers from coast to coast.
Apparel & Accessories Market – August 12 - 15
During the August market, buyers explored new and expanded resources across all apparel and accessories categories, with an interest in both permanent and temporary exhibitors offering a wide range of apparel, footwear, and accessories. Cash & Carry exhibitors remained a key draw for retailers seeking ready-to-purchase merchandise to immediately refresh their assortments, along with orders for on-trend merchandise for the next season.
KidsWorld – August 12 - 15
Buyers were able to find fresh merchandise for children during KidsWorld, which also welcomed new exhibitors to the 8th floor. KidsWorld Studio also brought new and returning temporary exhibitors for even more selection.
Longtime exhibitor Jill Griffith, owner, Cultivated Kids, added “The market went very well, and we saw continued to see more stores from across the country. Buyers appreciate the ease of travel and the convenience of having everything under one roof. Sales remain strong, and despite some concern about the economy the overall outlook is positive.”
WESA’s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market – August 13 - 16
Dallas continues to be the #1 marketplace in the world for retailers seeking best-sellers and trending styles in western apparel, accessories and footwear. From timeless tradition to the trending tones, cuts, and styles appealing to consumers captivated by pop icons Beyonce and Post Malone, the market delivered what is in demand at western stores and contemporary boutiques across the U.S.
“The recent WESA Trade Show was another success for members and buyers,” said Sophia Jagella, marketing specialist, Western & English Sales Association. “This August, innovation took center stage with new exhibitors, exciting products, and the Most Innovative Product Award. Although the August edition is the smaller of the two biannual shows, it continues to grow each year with more buyers, more exhibitors, and strong momentum evident from the very first days of the show.”
Chaedrea Kenley of Double J Saddlery added “We were impressed with the quality of buyers who are committed to American-made products, which means a lot to us as a family business. The combination of Dallas Market and WESA continues to be a winning formula for our brand and our customers.”
AETA International Trade Show – August 13 - 16
The American Equestrian Trade Association (AETA) show on the 10th floor presented new styles of apparel, accessories, footwear, tack, and more in temporary booths. AETA exhibitors were located across from the Western and English expansion of permanent showrooms featuring additional apparel, accessories, and equipment from leading English brands. Retailers from across the U.S. and internationally who are in the business of riding competition and lifestyle descended on Dallas for the largest selection of products.
To meet retailer demand for immediate product, the Cash & Carry temps were also located on the 10th floor, offering a wide selection of on-trend, ready-to-purchase items.
“We were completely booked with appointments and saw great traffic throughout the show,” said Amy Schade MacDonald, US Agent for Ego7, TRUST Equestrian, Sixteen Cypress and Welligogs. “And the attendees were so happy to buy all the new goods we were offering. The market layout is easy to navigate, and Dallas is a fun and productive place to do business. I love attending markets there!”
“The AETA Market has been an important expansion for me and a perfect fit for my equestrian-inspired pieces,” said Lisa Peterson, owner and designer of V2 Designs. “Selling from a permanent showroom during Apparel & Accessories markets gave me a strong foundation, but joining AETA has helped me grow sales even further. The show is fun, busy, and filled with customers.”
The final Apparel & Accessories Market of the year will take place October 21–24.
For future markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, and the DMC Daily Dose.
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 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. With thousands of free parking spaces, hotel shuttle buses, efficient dock services, well-maintained vertical transportation, boosted cell phone coverage, enhanced WiFi, and on-site restaurants and catering, DMC’s superior facilities make shopping these markets convenient, enjoyable, and lucrative. Throughout the last six decades, the company has remained committed to ensuring that customers receive the support services they need to make their business experience in Dallas successful. dallasmarketcenter.com
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