Feb 23, 2023

Retailers reflect on Las Vegas Apparel

The fourth semi-annual edition of Las Vegas Apparel kicked off Las Vegas Fashion Week Feb. 12-15 at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas.

“Las Vegas Apparel offers a unique opportunity for buyers to get work done in a relaxed, intimate setting,” says Caron Stover, senior vice president of apparel at International Market Centers (IMC). “Our offerings, from a curated assortment of young contemporary brands to hallmark amenities and activations as part of the overall market experience, are sought after by attendees, and we look forward to continuing to bring this experience to the West Coast.”

Las Vegas Apparel offered more than 100 lines across apparel, accessories, gift, and home décor through temporary exhibits, as well as open gift and home showrooms. The winter 2023 edition drew a diverse geographic audience, with retailers from 46 states and Puerto Rico, as well as eight international countries. More than 50% of attendees were new to the market.

Throughout the four days of Las Vegas Apparel, retailers reflected on at-market experiences.

Retailer Jessica Sweeten of Sweetly Striped Boutique in Orange County, California, says: “I have been sourcing for my boutique for six years, and I can truly say that Las Vegas Apparel is so calm, relaxing and organized. I really felt like as a buyer, the market was grateful to have us here. Every detail was so well thought out, and I really felt appreciated as a buyer.”

Adds Melissa Sanders, owner of Filthy Gorgeous on Main from Madison, Alabama: “I enjoyed being at Las Vegas Apparel because it gave me the opportunity to go from vendor to vendor, really take my time and search for the pieces that I needed. I spent more today than I probably would have because I didn’t have to fight for attention from vendors or pieces from other buyers.”

Liz Perez, owner of Sun Kissed Apparel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, traveled in with her family of 11 to source for five storefronts between New Mexico and Colorado.

“We came here shopping for a full range of sizes and we were able to find great regular and plus sizes,” Perez says. “We found everything we were looking for.”

The market opened on Sunday, one day earlier than other Las Vegas Fashion Week venues, to give buyers a jump on sourcing and enable Las Vegas Apparel to host its second-annual Super Bowl watch party.

At-market activities included an on-trend belt bag, a custom t-shirt embroidery station, personalized hair clips and photo ops in the registration lobby and on the show floor.

The next semi-annual Las Vegas Apparel is Aug. 6-9 at the Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas.