Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market Breaks Buyer and Exhibitor Participation Records
February 28, 2023
For a large B2B trade show, there’s nothing better than starting off a new year with robust, record-breaking participation. Case in point: Dallas Market Center’s January Apparel & Accessories Market, the largest U.S. marketplace for women’s apparel, accessories and footwear. Held Jan. 10-13, the venue’s largest event in years enjoyed an overall attendance increase versus pre-pandemic shows and featured an expanded marketplace of approximately 750 exhibitors, including new permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors.
In addition to overall participation gains, the January show welcomed more buyers from key U.S. regions including the Southeast and upper Midwest as well as internationally. The event’s increase in reach and attendance comes on the heels of 2022 marketplace shows that were up almost 20% compared to 2019, according to Dallas Market Center officials.
“The year began with a big show in Dallas, marketplace enthusiasm and strong order writing from retailers visiting from coast to coast and internationally,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “We are thrilled with the momentum and the new buyers who are choosing to do business in Dallas. They tell us they feel inspired and supported by our marketplace and its exhibitor community.”
Also taking place at the same time as the Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market were the WESA International Western and Equipment Market and the AETA Equestrian Show, held Jan. 12-15, which also experienced significant attendance gains.
A Boom in Buyers
Besides thousands of buyers, the January 2023 show welcomed major stores representing hundreds of millions of dollars in purchasing power, including Boot Barn, Buckle, Choctaw Casino Retail, Landry’s Retail, Cavenders, Scheels, Tylers and Von Maur.
Many retailers commented that they continue to return to the Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market not only because of the incredible variety of vendors and product but also the convenience of finding everything they need for their stores under one roof.
For first-time attendee Charlene Harrison from Apricot Lane in Colorado Springs, the show’s positive reputation served as a huge draw.
“Everyone says this [show is] the best, so we don’t have to go anywhere else,” Harrison said. “There [are]…a lot of new brands here. We are having such a good time, [and] it’s exceeded our expectations.”
Additions, Expansions and Highlights
In preparation for the show’s anticipated surge in attendance, Dallas Market Center grew its footwear neighborhood and experienced a 45% jump in showroom exhibitors compared with 2021. The event also expanded its apparel and accessories options, including in its Young Contemporary section across two floors as well as new and expanded permanent showrooms.
Event highlights included a contemporary fashion show for hundreds of buyers at the World Trade Center atrium as well as a Western and English Fashion Show that welcomed hundreds of guests for the show and live music.
A global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America, Dallas Market Center connects retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in gourmet and housewares, home décor, holiday/floral, gifts, lighting and apparel.
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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