OFFPRICE Show a Big Hit in its New Home at The Sands!
With 128 more booths than last year’s show, and 46 new exhibitors, the recent August OFFPRICE Show proved once again to be a vibrant marketplace of great deals for retailers in a struggling economy. But perhaps the greatest feature for the 10,000+ was the show’s new home in the grand stage of The Sands Expo & Convention Center.
“High ceilings, fabulous lights, all the vendors were happy, and the buyers couldn’t be happier!” said OFFPRICE Executive Vice President David Lapidos. “It was very gratifying to receive feedback from EVERYONE on how much they love our new home. Many of the buyers are now calling us ‘The Promotional MAGIC!'”
This show’s buying delegation, more than ever, was focused on best prices, and OFFPRICE vendors delivered en masse as evidenced by active order-writing with buyers.
“I had the greatest first day ever,” said Andy Shamsi, whose company, Cosmo Trading in New York, has been exhibiting for 10 years. “And my second day was even better.”
While Shamsi did most of his order-writing with existing customers, many conducted business with new buyers. “I had a large retailer from Canada take a majority of stock from one of our brands,” said Peter Gardner of Mizrahi-Gardner in LA. “And on the last day, I wrote a very nice order with a buyer from Guam.”
International interest in OFFPRICE continues to flourish, with over 400 buyers in attendance, including chains from Canada, Mexico and as far away as New Zealand – all buying product. Domestically, the largest off price and discount retailers were well represented at the show, but it is the smaller independent operators that constitute the most growth in the OFFPRICE buyer community.
“I gained some new vendors that I am very pleased with at this show, and I’m already registered for (A TASTE OF) OFFPRICE in LA (in October) to seek out more deals on trendy goods for my urban boutique,” asserted Rosa Jones of Diamond Girl in Homestead, Florida.
“It was a fun experience, as well as a great resource for my business,” new buyer Jerry Leehan of N&S Sports Memorabilia in Plainfield, MA reviewed. “I met some great connections and purchased some great apparel. I will be attending next year for sure.”
“We enjoy enormous support from the national chains,” claims Lapidos, “But we also help the little guys grow their businesses. They can’t compete with the Wal-Marts on price, but (through OFFPRICE) they can put in better -recognized merchandise at a lower price. And that’s what buyers need to fight the big boxes.”
Speaking of big boxes, over 400 “Founders Club” members representing the largest chains came open to buy at the August OFFPRICE. The spacious accommodations and greater ease of access to the vendors were conducive to helping them fill immediate needs, and they responded with active order-writing.
“The venue was great,” reported Daniel Melendez, Owner of Portland Merchandise in New York. “There were wider aisles, more room for our buyers to meet, and we felt very comfortable. Our buyers were quite satisfied. They weren’t looking for anything in particular, but found great values.”
“The cost of manufacturing overseas is resulting in tighter inventories,” commented Lapidos. “It’s rewarding to know that the big guys can count on us as a great alternative for their buying needs.”
The next OFFPRICE event – A TASTE OF OFFPRICE – will be held October 4, 5 & 6 at the California Market Center during LA Majors Market.
