MAGIC was not what it was years ago!
The fair has shrunk in size and the South Hall approximately 350,000 sq. ft. was not used this year at the MAGIC/WWD apparel trade show in Las Vegas. However, the participation at the International sourcing portion has increased substantially with almost 450 exhibitors, from Free Trade countries and mainly China eager to showcase their manufacturing skills.
The trade show was divided into many sub show areas that covered all aspects of the business. The project show seems to be the biggest attraction with many NEW LINES for all areas of the retail sector. To an old timer like me it seems like the visitation was also less, but the comments by the exhibitors that the traffic may be lighter, but the quality of the actual buyers were of a higher calibre, and looking to place orders put the situation in the right perspective.
I am not about to give a fashion overview, but it seems many of the items were QUICK TO MARKET products, such as “Burn out tops”, that have been sublimated with many different designs. Many of the lines were those that used BLANKS, and were enhanced for their special retail customer, for specific consumers.
[bleft]Our special contributor in the US, Bruce Berton, reports from Magic about the changing complexion of the fair in these difficult times… [/bleft]
Though our recession seems to be working out of lowest points, the retailer is very cautious and selective in their advanced purchases for Spring 2010. Even the Off Price Show which is a separate show, with many lines of unsold products, was busy in women’s apparel, verses men’s. The retailers were looking for a little better holiday 2009 season deals to have the inventories ready to put on floors in October 2009. They are also hoping that they do not to have too much Fall/Back to School products to markdown.
Weather for this fall, has been very unpredictable on both coasts and in our heartland of the Midwest. Therefore, sales have been somewhat soft for this past August and the retailer is watching inventories very carefully.
I am predicting a planned holiday, or no major increases, and that the first and second quarter of 2010 will be slightly better than this last 2009, but nothing to write home about.
The US is going through complete political CHANGE, which causes insecurity among the consumers, and when you have the Small Midsize Entities (SME), making up two-thirds of our economic growth, this insecurity will definitely slow consumer’s purchases.
The consumer in today’s market is not purchasing “STUFF”, but is looking to seek best price for the monies paid.