World’s Largest Western & Equestrian Trade Shows Round Up Successful Showings at Dallas Market Center
The world’s largest western and equestrian fairs round off successful shows in the Dallas Market Center
Dallas Market Center (DMC), global B2B trade hub and wholesale marketplace, recently hosted the world’s largest trade events for western and equestrian buyers and brands. Takes place from August 26th to 29th, the second edition of the venue’s biannual WESA international western / UK clothing and equipment market overlaps with the simultaneous Dallas debut of the International trade fair AETApresented by the American Equestrian Trade Association and held August 24-27.
Across the entire horse market, more than 1,000 western and equestrian lifestyle brands presented their goods in temporary exhibitions and 70 permanent showrooms, including a large selection of clothing and accessories, shoes, hats, equipment and accessories as well as additional gift and home decoration categories.
Held concurrently with the Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market and the KidsWorld Market, the trade events collectively welcomed thousands of buyers from 41 states, with first-time visitors setting a new record, accounting for 16% of total visitors. (The Dallas Market Center does not publish visitor numbers.)
According to DMC officials, the market was a busy and energetic market filled with focused and avid buyers looking for the latest and greatest western and equestrian merchandise.
“The show had such good energy [and] the brands had great new product presentations, ”said Patrick Powers, President of WESA. “Our industry is entering the new year with enormous dynamism when we celebrate the 100th anniversary of WESA.”
Many exhibitors commented that the WESA / AETA event was the biggest, busiest, and most successful market they had ever attended, with serious buyers looking to open accounts and place orders to boost their stocks.
“The buzz is again in the western industry,” said Jamison Hochter of Westmoor Manufacturing. “We now have a show that customers, manufacturers and salespeople are all looking forward to.”
According to Hochter, the market was by far the busiest and most successful August show Westmoors Panhandle Western Wear and Rock and Roll Denim have ever attended.
“We have also opened more new accounts than any other market recently,” he said. “The [show’s] move to Dallas was a great success and we can’t wait to see what January and the coming year will bring. “
Lauren Austin, co-founder and CPO of Hooey Brands, said she was very happy with the August show bookings and was optimistic about spending power in the coming year.
“Retailers were eager to see new products in person and place orders to further advance the brand and the western lifestyle,” said Austin. “We think this has been a successful transition for WESA and Hooey at DMC as we see an increase in traffic and shopping at every show.”
In addition, WESA and AETA buyers had the opportunity to enjoy one of the key benefits of attending shows at the Dallas Market Center: shopping in various lifestyle categories in adjoining showrooms with clothing and accessories, gifts and home accessories from leading brands.
To support the comfort, health, and safety of all trade show attendees, the downtown Dallas venue continues to implement security measures, including recommended face covers for each person entering the market. Other efforts include low-contact access via online pre-registration, as well as improved cleaning with hospital-grade products, hundreds of hand sanitizing stations, and social distancing signage. Along with these new steps, the marketplace has security measures that are part of its natural design, including open parking lots, large entrances, quick registration in multiple areas, wide hallways, multiple escalators to each floor, and showrooms with controlled access to keep the appropriate distance between them Customers.
The 2022 editions of the WESA International Western / English Apparel & Equipment Market and AETA International Trade Show will return to DMC January 13-16 and January 11-14, respectively.
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