Feb 8, 2021

Western & English trade show debuts at Dallas Market Center

Dallas Market Center and WESA, the Western & English Sales Association (WESA) organized in 1921, announced details of the successful January launch of the world’s largest marketplace for Western and English brands.

Buyers from 46 states and 2 countries attended the Jan. 14-17 edition of WESA’s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market, held in Dallas for the first time. More than twenty-five percent of the retailers were new to the show.

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, and tack alongside complementary categories of gift and home décor.

The WESA International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market featured hundreds of brands including temporary exhibits on the 11th floor of the World Trade Center. In fact, the WESA show stretched out across more than 210,000 square feet—an increase from last year’s event.

“We are thrilled. Buyers all have a great attitude. They’re excited to be here. They’re excited to see the facility, the opportunity. It has been fantastic,” Patrick Powers, president of WESA commented.

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

“Thank you to our partners at WESA and to the brands and buyers who made this debut such a success. The energy was tremendous, the number of new buyers was historic, and the momentum we have created will continue throughout the year. Dallas is the truly the marketplace of choice for buyers seeking new products and inspiration,” Cindy Morris,President and CEO of Dallas Market Center observed.

Enthusiastic Exhibitors & Buyers

Exhibitors and buyers were also enthusiastic about their experience.

“We had a great time at the WESA show, including opening 22 net new accounts, a verbal agreement with a big retailer, we brought on 2 new distributors and networked with numerous independent reps,” Anson Gessel with Bear Knuckles said.

Barry Robinson with Rebel Rose shared that he wrote “80% new business at this show” and his other business welcomed all people that he met last year in Denver who made the trip to Dallas.

Exhibitors in product categories such as gift and home décor also experienced steady traffic and business.

Safety Protocols

Supporting the comfort, health and safety of all attendees, the market center will continue measures that include mandatory face covering and temperature screening for every person entering the marketplace every day. 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.

Save the Date

The next WESA International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market takes place August 26, 2021 — August 29, 2021. For WESA, please visit https://wesatradeshow.com/ and for other events please visit http://dallasmarketcenter.com/.

Other Dallas Market Center Events

Future Dallas Market Center events include the AETA International Trade Show, March 23-26; Apparel & Accessories Market and Total Home & Gift Market, March 23-26; KidsWorld, March 23-26; and Lightovation, March 23-26.