Record-Breaking October Markets in Dallas; More Exhibitors, More New and Loyal Buyers for
the National Marketplace
DALLAS – November 8, 2021 – The market momentum continues in Dallas: October Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld Market (October 26-29, 2021) extended the marketplace’s leadership position as a national marketplace welcoming a record number of exhibitors and more buyers from coast to coast.
The October shows were the largest in more than 7 years—with more top brands exhibiting across 1 million square feet of showrooms and temporary space and more retail buyers representing 49 U.S. states. Additional temporary show space was designated to handle the overflow of brands seeking access to the increasing number of loyal and new buyers attending the show.
“The final market of the year in Dallas delivered big,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “We continue to be the center of commerce for the business of fashion. We had more retail buyers from coast to coast matched by more exhibitors eager to expand their business. Looking ahead to 2022 we are anticipating a banner year as buyers seek a single location to discover new styles and place orders first.”
Attendance highlights include a 20% increase in buyers compared with the October 2019 show and a 67% increase in retailers attending for the first time. The marketplace also extended its reach nationally with a 12% increase in buyers from the West, a 65% increase in buyers from the Southeast, a 71% increase from the Midwest, and a 104% increase from the Northeast.
Exhibitor Mike Stevison with Dressed2Kill noted the strong traffic changes: “So many of our buyers are making the shift to attend Dallas as their new market. We had a great show.”
French Kande’s Lenn Grabiner observed: “October was a critical market for us based on it being our last market of the year and for achieving the goals we set as a company. The market was a major success for French Kande, and it deepened our commitment to Dallas.”
Alexis Rayon of the multi-line UnCommon Fashion showroom noted the geographic strength of Dallas: “The strongest markets for our industry continue to thrive in the southern region of the U.S., [and] Dallas continues to be consistent.”
Added Mark Meyers of the Remedy showroom: “More and more we hear how stores prefer to come to Dallas over anywhere else in the country. Our average order was up [and] customers were in a buying mood.”
Contemporary Brands and Hot Sellers Added to Marketplace
Dozens of new exhibitors debuted inside the marketplace. On the 13th floor, footwear resources continue to expand together with premier brands and new trends in the apparel and accessories permanent showrooms and temps. Featured brands on 13 for October included Agency Showroom, Line & Dot, 8th Story, Benazir Collection, Emelda Leather, and SCHUTZ.
On the 12th floor, the temporary tradeshow space was once again sold out. Recent expansions added space for more brands arriving from the west coast. To accommodate demand, temporary show space was expanded into the 11th floor, where exhibitors showed alongside Immediate Goods on 11, the section of curated fashion brands available for purchase.
New Buyer Applications Continue to Surge
In addition to new exhibitors, the number of new buyers continues to surge. New buyer applications are more than 50% ahead of 2019, reflecting both the marketplace’s position as an inspiring center of fashion and its momentum as a national marketplace attracting buyers from coast to coast. Independent retailers from across the country were joined by multi-location retail, buying groups, and major stores. Getting a jump on 2022 styles, filling depleted inventories, and efficiently shopping across lifestyle categories were the key reasons given by buyers regarding their decision to visit Dallas Market Center.
Health & Safety Guidelines Supporting Buyer Comfort
Supporting the comfort, health and safety of all attendees, the market center continues several measures including highly recommending face covering. Shuttles are once again available including hotel and campus routes. As well, on-site testing for COVID-19 was available via Kai Medical Laboratory.
For upcoming 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, Twitter, 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 gourmet and housewares, home décor, holiday/floral, gifts, lighting and apparel. 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 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% 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 App. 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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