Sep 9, 2021
DMC celebrates co-located shows

Dallas Market Center (DMC) recently hosted trade events for western and equestrian buyers and brands. The second edition of WESA’s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market took place along with the Dallas debut of the AETA International Trade Show presented by the American Equestrian Trade Association.

The shows were held at the same time as the Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld Market. Taken together, the trade events welcomed thousands of buyers from 41 states. The number of first-time attendees set a new record and accounted for 16% of total attendance.

Throughout the Dallas marketplace, more than 1,000 brands for the western and equestrian lifestyle were presented in temporary exhibits and permanent showrooms including apparel and accessories, footwear, hats, equipment, and tack alongside complementary categories of gift and home décor.

“This was an energetic, busy market full of buyers seeking new products. Thank you to our partners at WESA and AETA and the top brands who made this show such a success. We look forward to carrying the momentum forward into the new year,” Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center, said.

WESA International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market

The WESA International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market featured hundreds of brands including temporary exhibits on the 11th floor of the World Trade Center. Patrick Powers, WESA President, commented: “There was such a good energy at the show. Buyers were enthusiastic. The brands had great presentations of new products. Our industry has tremendous momentum heading into the new year as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of WESA.” Added Ali Dee, the founder of the Ali Dee western lifestyle brand: “It was the biggest show we have ever had; like [an] insane amount of order writing…thank y’all so much.”

The permanent marketplace of Western and English showrooms, located on the 14th floor of the World Trade Center building includes more than 70 branded showrooms including Ariat, Justin Brands, Dan Post, Hooey, Hatco/Resistol, Wrangler, Scully, Partrade, Equibrand, Rios of Mercedes, M&F, Lucchese, Milano Hat Company, Cripple Creek, and Roper/Stetson.

AETA International Trade Show

On the 13th floor, the AETA International Trade Show held its Dallas debut showcasing a wide array of brands for the equestrian community. Leading manufacturers presented new products for all aspects of the equestrian lifestyle and recognized the importance of a new venue for the show welcoming loyal AETA buyers and new buyers.

Other Showrooms

Adjacent showrooms of apparel and accessories, gifts, and home décor offered buyers a wide range of products from leading brands. One of the key benefits of shows held inside Dallas Market Center are the opportunities to buy across lifestyle categories.

Safety Protocols

Supporting the comfort, health and safety of all attendees, the market center continue measures that include recommended face coverings for every person entering the marketplace. Other efforts include low contact entry via online pre-registration as well as enhanced cleaning with hospital grade products, hundreds of hand sanitizing stations, and signage for social distancing. Along with these new steps, there are safety measures that are part of the natural design of the marketplace: open parking, large entryways, quick registration in multiple areas, wide hallways, multiple escalators to every floor, and showrooms with controlled access to allow for the appropriate distance between customers.