Nov 8, 2021

DMC continues record-breaking momentum

The market momentum continues in Dallas with its October Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld Market (Oct. 26-29, 2021) as this national marketplace welcomed a record number of exhibitors and more buyers from coast to coast.

Highlights

The October shows were the largest in more than seven 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.

“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,” French Kande’s Lenn Grabiner observed.

Exhibitors

Dozens of new exhibitors debuted inside the marketplace. On the 13^th 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, 8^th Story, Benazir Collection, Emelda Leather, and SCHUTZ.

On the 12^th 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 11^th floor, where exhibitors showed alongside Immediate Goods on 11, the section of curated fashion brands available for purchase.

Buyers

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

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 information on upcoming markets, visit www.dallasmarketcenter.com.