Feb 14, 2023

Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market experiences attendance increase

The January Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market featured a record-breaking number of exhibiting companies and buyers attending the show, according to Dallas Market Center.

The organization says the Jan. 10-13 event experienced an overall attendance increase versus pre-pandemic shows as well as an expanded marketplace featuring new permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors.

The January show welcomed buyers from key U.S. regions including the Southeast and Upper Midwest as well as international buyers. This attendance surge was on the heels of shows in 2022 that were up almost 20% compared to 2019.

“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.”

Taking place at the same time as the Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market were the WESA International Western and Equipment Market (Jan.12-15) and the AETA Equestrian Show (Jan. 12-15).

Charlene Harrison with Apricot Lane in Colorado Springs, Colorado, added: “Everyone says this one’s the best so we don’t have to go anywhere else. There’s…a lot of new brands here. We are having such as good time, it’s exceeded our expectations.”

The marketplace expanded its footwear neighborhood, with the number of exhibitors up 45% compared with 2021, according to Dallas Market Center.

THE GOODS by Brand Assembly debuted in 17,000 square feet on the 10th floor with more than 40 brands.

Event highlights included a contemporary fashion show on Tuesday evening with the theme of Enter The Multiverse, which welcomed hundreds of buyers to the World Trade Center atrium. On Thursday, the Western and English Fashion Show took place again, welcoming hundreds of guests for the show and live music.

The show also welcomed key social media influencers who served as Style Eyes, tracking new products and trends across the marketplace and then sharing their selections to hundreds of thousands of followers.

The January show welcomed major stores, including Boot Barn, Buckle, Choctaw Casino Retail, Landry’s Retail, Cavenders, Scheels, Tylers, and Von Maur. Retailer Apricot Lane hosted franchise meetings for all 100-plus franchise locations/owners.