Retailers Remain Cautious About Future
By BRENDA LLOYD
July 7, 2008
ATLANTA — The AmericasMart Alpha show was sparsely attended last week as retailers face a continuing down market for shopping.
Retailers and exhibitors at the show, which was held June 22 to 24 at the Atlanta Apparel Mart, said the economy is slow, prices are rising and it’s in between seasons for men’s wear. As Nick Chiosie, New York sales representative for Kentucky Denim, said, “People are gearing up for New York and Las Vegas [Project].” Nevertheless, several exhibitors said they had written orders.
Gerard George, sales representative for Ruthless Art, said business is down for retailers, who already have a lot of inventory on their shelves, plus there isn’t enough newness in the market. “Business is still there [for retailers], but they don’t want to buy too much. They’re being careful,” he said, adding that he had good days selling his brand on both Sunday and Monday.
Manuel Rydz, president, Cool J’s Urban Wear & Footwear, Miami, said, “Trends [in the urban market] are going back to basics, and price is becoming increasingly important.” He was at the show buying apparel for immediate delivery. He said his customers want denim jeans with little embroidery to wear with fashion tops.
The temporary exhibitor part of the Alpha show was small again, but larger than the April show, which collided with the competing Cobb Show. However, as Mart officials have said before, the Alpha show is shifting to more premium lines, including Ed Hardy, Kentucky Denim, Rivet De Cru and Lucky Brand, which are dispersed on the second and ninth floors, and it is adding more permanent showrooms to its 12th floor Alpha Center. Permanent showrooms now include Sean John, Rocawear, Puma, Parish and Chaps Ralph Lauren. Lacoste is opening in August.
AmericasMart said men’s permanent showrooms will be open for the first time during the August market, supporting the increased percentage of men’s product in its Premiere and NY/LA Co-Ops areas. The Mart said the decision to open men’s wear showrooms was driven by the high cost of traveling and the low cost of showing in Atlanta, combined with the growing demand for men’s product during all apparel markets. |