News & Information on Wholesale Products, Off Price Apparel, and Merchandise » Trade Show News

ASAP Trade Show and Missions Match Up Global Apparel Buyers With Sellers

Marie — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:01:26 +0000

ASAP Show, where apparel and textile manufacturers showcase their contract manufacturing to buyers, wrapped up its 17th trade show in Las Vegas on September 2. ASAP’s Match Maker and Foreign Trade Sponsor services connected global ready-made garment manufacturers with North American buyers at the Las Vegas Venetian Marco Polo.

Between twice-a-year trade shows, ASAP offers Buying Trips — Trade Mission visits to evaluate factories in China, Bangladesh and Pakistan; Fashion International — an international brand licensing show; and IBMC China — an ASAP affiliate that opens international fashion franchises in China … leveraging brands, designs and marketing.

Here’s a quick scan of ASAP Show Las Vegas 2009 and ASAP global sourcing services. Below, see also

TopTen Wholesale.com and Manufacturer.com global product search and online advertising.

ASAP SHOW Las Vegas is a one-stop marketplace for sourcing apparel overseas, featuring hundreds of global manufacturers of men’s, women’s, children’s apparel, textiles and leather.

Meeting U.S. buyer demands for a U.S.-based company accountable for merchandise quality; plus, meeting overseas manufacturers’ demands for a local factory representative, ASAP Show conducts unique Match Making:

· Traditional – ASAP sourcing specialists pre-arrange meetings between at least four overseas factories and show buyers ($5 million or greater in annual imports) who don’t have time to walk the floor in Las Vegas;

· Walking – A rep walks the ASAP Show floor with pre-registered buyers and makes connections with appropriate overseas factories;

· Joint Venture Matches– Connecting exhibitors with show attendees (who submit proposals before the show) to develop investment and production ventures;

· A Registration Service- at the ASAP show that helps overseas manufacturers connect with U.S.-based sales representatives of their choice.

Trade Missions to the Source. ASAP has arranged 10 trade trips to Asia, giving U.S. and European buyers the opportunity to evaluate pre-qualified factories in China, Bangladesh and Pakistan on short, cost-effective buying trips. The next one to China is set for March 24 to April 3 in 2010. See ASAP Buying Trip.

International Brand Licensing. ASAP Global Sourcing works with Fashion International Trade Show (an international brand licensing show for 15 fashion brands), currently in a master license agreement with the world’s largest textile and apparel mart in China – the International Textile and Fashion Mega-Mall. See more at Fashion for China.

ASAP Franchise Affiliate. This ASAP affiliate is a Switzerland corporation that opens international fashion brands franchise stores all over China … both free-standing stores and franchise stores-within-department-stores. See IBMC China.

Foreign Government Co-Organizers. ASAP Trade Show boasts a number of foreign government agencies and trade sponsors, including . . .

(left to right) Hong Kong Products; Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers; China Council for Promotion of International Trade; Macao Trade and Investment; and the Indonesia National Agency for Export.

ASAP Shows are Twice a Year in Las Vegas. If you missed the ASAP Global Sourcing show that wrapped September 2, 2009, plan on the next show in First Quarter 2010. Start checking Future ASAP Shows later this year to register.

OTHER GLOBAL SOURCING OPPORTUNITIES
Find Global Sourcing opportunities based in fast-growing Asian economies — across dozens of apparel, manufacturing, electronics, textile and industrial product categories -at Manufacturer.com is part of the Top Ten Wholesale network of search and product sourcing sites and offers its own global online advertising opportunities.

Wholesaler B2B Search Directories and Advertising
Source wholesale products across hundreds of merchandise categories at Top Ten Wholesale.com and OffPriceNetwork.com. For example, see a search on Wholesale Clothing or Wholesale Leather.

Reach targeted wholesale buyers and retailers with Run-of-Site, Pay-per-Click and Search Results Page advertising. See Top Ten Wholesale Advertising .

Off-Price Specialist August 2009 Show Recap… the Show’s Really Just Started!

ruebenmarley — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:45:14 +0000

With a total attendance of over 10,000 at the recent August 2009 Off-Price Specialist Show, and over 450 exhibitors showing off their best merchandise, there was an atmosphere of high-energy activity that resulted in the formation of intense, exciting, and fresh new buzz over the steals-and-deals in the Closeout and Off-price Industry. While many of the doomsday-types predicted a rapid cooling period for the Retail and Wholesale business that would lead to catastrophic results for anyone who dared to get involved in such a volatile and dangerous market… the people who make up the Wholesale and Retail sector know that the show must go on, and it’s really up to us to determine whether that show is going to be a comedy, a tragedy, or a gut-wrenching drama…

There were a lot of smiles at the show, and reports from the field were all rather upbeat and similarly positive about the great turnout, the attitude of the buyers who showed up, and the unexpectedly good order rate on the sales floor. For some sellers it was not a matter of trying to capture the attention of buyers, but instead a matter of trying to get the orders filled out quickly, so they could give everyone the attention they deserved!

“It was nice to meet a lot of new customers and future friends. Thanks to everyone that was patient enough to wait in line for our product!”

Kenneth Delaney

Bordan Shoe Company in Los Angeles

One of the truly surprising features of the show was a huge focus on the low price-point merchandise that was being put right next to luxury-brand goods. In an economy that seems to be shifting with the winds, and a lot of dollar-pinching going on… innovation sometimes takes place in some unlikely ways. While the Luxury Market’s share of the consumer pool is slipping downward, the Budget and Discounted Goods Industry is seeing tremendous growth. Of course, this is what anyone would expect to see during a financial pinch, but what’s become one of the hot topics of the business is the fact that these two areas of retail –- which were once miles apart — are now rubbing shoulders and competing on the same sales floor. In a brilliant move, the sellers and distributors have adapted to the changes, and made the move to put these high-end goods to the test by offering choice to their customers that was not available in the past.

“My lower price point items performed better than the upscale goods that we are known for!” Kathy Chikato

Commerce, CA–based DLM Off Price Specialists

Another point to consider is the influx of new vendors who showed up to announce their goods. According to David Lapidos, Senior Vice President for the Off Price Show, conversations with attendees revealed that everyone was quite able to find what they needed at this event. A good mix of general merchandise, specialty items, and everything from bulk costume jewelry to sports wear and athletic gear made their presence felt and heard at the show. Wait a minute… wasn’t this supposed to a bad year for everyone in the business? Shouldn’t we be slowing things down, and waiting for the right time to promote our products and services again? Mr. Lapidos added that “All who attended will re-affirm that this industry is very much alive.”

It looks like the slow and cautious strategy couldn’t be more out of tune with the sound of people filling the convention center… and the songs of victory that were being hummed by happy vendors at this event. Winter merchandise made a huge hit on the sales floor, and the variety of goods in all categories on offer was a clear sign that making your move sooner — rather than later — is the only strategy to consider. This show experienced a 10% increase in buyer attendance and an equal increase in exhibit space from last year’s show, so there’s little doubt that the following shows will yield similar results. Remember, this is just the beginning… and if you missed out on the amazing August event, you’ll be pleased to know that another chance is coming up fast. For information regarding the upcoming Off Price Show on February 14-17, 2010 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Hall G, Las Vegas, you can follow the link we’ve provided. Happy wholesaling to everyone who made the August show such a success!

Vital Signs of ASD Las Vegas: Wide Product Selection Clustered in Unique Show Segments Make the Margins for 35,000-plus Buyers

Marie — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:26:34 +0000

could rest on its record for bringing the largest product assortment across all industry categories to Las Vegas, by meeting business demands for one-stop product sourcing plus value-driven price points for nearly 50 years. “The Market You Can Depend On” should cover it.

just wrapped up its run at the Sands Expo and Las Vegas Convention Centers from August 9 to 12. And, we were there: Top Ten Wholesale wore many hats – ASD Media Partner, Wholesale Exhibitor, Trade Show Experts. What we saw at ASD Las Vegas was “A New Show … 50 Years in the Making.” From the Top Ten Wholesale point of view(s) …

Value Plus Variety. For nearly 50 years, ASD Las Vegas has set the standard for merchandise trade shows by providing a cost-effective, one-stop shopping marketplace for Buyers.

ASD August 2009 exceeded the variety-plus-value marker with 6 SHOW SEGMENTS:

1. Value & Variety — 1,800 exhibitors of apparel, convenience items, household/ outdoor goods, electronics and hot-selling personal security merchandise.

2. Gifts & Toys – Largest Gift Show in the West with 400 exhibitors, who segmented out of the general Variety show, presented Specialized Sections (more below), including Home Décor (Collectibles, Decorative Accessories, Holiday/Special Occasion), Spiritual & Religious, Educational Games and Puzzles, Toys and Novelties, and Gourmet Food Gifts.

3. Style & Beauty – Health and Beauty merchandise at all price points, including Fashion Accessories, Health & Beauty Aids, Art/Craft/Hobby Supplies, Travel, and Smoking products.

4. Jewelry – 750 exhibitors combining both Fine and Fashion Jewelry with Fashion Accessories.

5. SourceDirect – Face-to-face meet ups between distributors, wholesalers, large retailers and 200 worldwide manufacturers.

6. And China Brand – 1,000s of electronics, textiles and consumer goods from China’s Top 100 brands … without expensive travel and vetting in DIY import sourcing.

And 16 SPECIALIZED SECTIONS including China Brand Show; Fashion & Accessories; Fashion and Fine Jewelry; Home Décor; Gifts; Health & Beauty; Holiday & Seasonal; Military-Tactical Outdoor; Toys & Novelties; Specialty-Gourmet Foods; Tools & Hardware; Source Direct; Value Price Merchandise and General Variety.

We guess-timated from 35,000 to 40,000 Buyers/ Attendees used their limited trade show marketing budgets to advantage by accessing these multiple clustered merchandise shows … through one coordinated show.

Here are some opening day buyers flooding the Sands Expo Center entry.

Here’s what we (Top Ten Wholesale, Manufacturer.com, Off-Price Network and WholesaleU) looked like on Day One. Keri is holding some of the 21,000 goodie bags Top Ten Wholesale gave away during ASD Las Vegas. We ran out a day before the show ended!!

And here’s opening of the China Brand Show segment … bringing China’s manufacturers to U.S. buyers. (Note: Online wholesale merchandise sourcing and manufacturing — from China-to-US – is also what we do through our Hangzhou-based operation Manufacturer.com.)

Ask Jewelry Wholesalers and Retailers. As we noted, 750 exhibitors of both Fine Jewelry and more mass-market Fashion Jewelry combined exhibit space (moved from the Mirage Hotel to Sands Expo Center for the first time) and located near Fashion Accessories specialized sections.

Here’s Jason Prescott, CEO of Top Ten Wholesale et. al, discussing trade show issues with:

Steve of J Good-In Inc. Jewelry Wholesalers and

Mike and Bruce Hassid of American Jewelry.

Wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers have differing opinions on combining high-end jewelry with mass-market fashion jewelry lines in the same exhibit space. Upside: Increased foot traffic and potential Buyers from trade show attendees who might not otherwise seek out “the other” end of the jewelry spectrum. Downside: Mixing messages and muddying appeal by placing high and low-end jewelry price points in the same exhibit space.

Have an opinion on this consolidation of high and low price points? We’d love to hear from jewelry marketers and others in the front lines. Scan Jason Prescott’s trade show advice and overview of ASD Las Vegas from Top Ten Wholesale Blog in ASD Trade Show and China Brand a Huge Success. Let us know what you think by entering your Comment on that post.

Is There A Tao of Trade Show Synergy? Nielsen Business Media, managers of ASD Las Vegas, noted benefits of sourcing at “the nation’s largest and most comprehensive merchandise trade show.”

ASD show managers point to over 3,000 exhibitors, who provided buyers with a vast array of innovative products, which expand in scope and product categories every single year. Plus the cost-efficiency of “one-stop” product sourcing at a profitable merchandise mix that meets business needs of both small and large chain retailers.

We experienced other benefits of this comprehensive trade show synergy, including –

· Face-to-Face Contact With Valued Clients. Top Ten Wholesale touched base with …

Four Seasons General Merchandise, a leading merchandise wholesaler in North America serving sellers – from importers and dollar stores to gift shops and supermarkets – with lowest-price merchandise and flexible shipping.

Via Trading, value-priced wholesalers of home décor, apparel and general merchandise.

Kole Imports, supplier of 99-Cent Store merchandise.

R. G. Riley, who specializes in closeouts, T-shirts and sweats.

And a number of specialty and accessories wholesalers, including Sunny Trading, Jay-Y-Sunglasses, Kachina Eye Wear and Star Bay Group — Sandals, Slippers, Shoes.

· Sharing Trade Show Knowledge. ASD Las Vegas offered free seminars designed to spread the knowledge wealth and help Buyers and Sellers of all sizes expand both their business model and success.

Topics included: Anatomy of a Successful Website and Driving Traffic to Your Website for Free; Building Your Business with Amazon and Cost-Effective Places to Sell Online; How To Work Successfully with Wholesalers and Online Selling Requires Excellent Product Sourcing.

· Develop New Business. An obvious advantage to pulling hundreds of product categories and thousands of exhibitors together at accessible venues in One Big Show is the synergy of cross-traffic. A comprehensive trade show like ASD Las Vegas bumps up foot traffic and contact opportunities … in a way that highly focused and specialized industry shows cannot do.

Ask us at Top Ten Wholesale. We are not only Media Partners of ASD, we were also exhibitors who gained access to a wide range of wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors, chain retailers and online entrepreneurs. We took that synergistic opportunity to promote the benefits of our product sourcing, wholesale-targeted search engines and focused advertising services.

Welcome to the JPC family:

International Jewelry Designs marketing new CZ jewelry collections;

New U.K. exporters and trendy new costume jewelry and accessories clients, including DeansJewellery.com and Vicki Handbags. Search also on Handbags and Jewelry;

Plus a new TTW client from the growing niche market for Religious Products . See also Apparel at Religious Stores from the May issue of Souvenirs & Gifts & Novelties trade publication.

· Reconnect, Up Close & Personal, with Colleagues. Gaining insights from other Buyers, Exhibitors, Wholesalers and Manufacturers – who walk in your shoes but in another product category – is a benefit of any well-attended trade show.

Our JPC network of search sites, industry blogs and wholesaler advertising networks reconnected with other Media Partners of ASD, including

Forum … here’s Marti of Forum Publishing with Jason
and The Buyer’s Guide Team

. Both from ASD Las Vegas.

Show’s Over; But the Conversation Should Keep Going. If you have a chance to scan Jason’s President’s Corner Blog Post from ASD Las Vegas — and if you have thoughts on consolidating high-to-low price points for jewelry (or any other merchandise category) – please comment on the issues Jason raises. We’ll be updating this ASD Las Vegas trade show recap.

If you missed ASD Las Vegas, start planning for ASD East at New York’s Jacob Javits Center from September 13 to 15.

ACLE and CIFF: Putting Their Best Foot Forward

ruebenmarley — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:21:08 +0000

I’m tired of bad news. It’s all over the headlines, and it’s all there ever seems to be when I pull up a text-based search about ‘China’ in any one of the major search engines these days. However, for all the bad news that is being generated, there is a lot of good stuff buried somewhere deep within, if you’re willing to dig for it.

One of the things I have noticed is a general streamlining of things in the foreign trade business; in the area of trade fairs, a sort of cost-cutting effort to trim some fat from trade shows that were usually hosted in multiple venues… multiple cities… and required a lot of legwork on the part of the visitors to get something accomplished. This year, the reality of the CPC missing its elusive 8% GDP goal — by a mile — is pretty clear, and it means that once-headstrong wholesaler juggernaut China is responding with a more intelligent approach to the way business is done, as global market contraction steadily continues.

I can hear the collective sighs of relief, from people who have had more than enough of poorly-executed trade fairs and haphazardly-organized shows of the past. After all, business is still business… but it will be nice to know that efficiency will be of greater value this time around.

Companies seeking to enter the China market may have a golden opportunity to see and be seen by some of the biggest names in leather-related manufacture and production in the world. All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) will be in its 11^th year, as it continues to bring all major Chinese producers, distributors, and buyers together into one massive show space. This is a very big event, and it should be noted that last year turned out over 15,700 buyers (over 13,800 from mainland China) and media representatives from around the world. China International Footwear Fair (CIFF) & Moda Shanghai 2009 will also be represented, since they are major co-organizers of the event.

From the press release:

“China International Footwear Fair and Moda Shanghai 2009 will be one of the leading trade shows of its kind in Shanghai. Organized with a joint venture of APLF Limited and China Leather Industry Association, the event will take place concurrent to the All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) 2009. The event will display an extensive range of fashion goods including leather garments, handbags, travel-ware, and fashion accessories, giving buyers an overall preview of fashion total-look. China International Footwear Fair (CIFF) and Moda Shanghai 2009 is a must attend event for professionals from footwear industry.”

Another important point to consider is the fact that 22 group pavilions have already been confirmed, and pavilion groups from Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Pakistan, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and USA, have been slated to participate in ACLE and CIFF 2009.

Sounds pretty good, eh? There is still a chance to book a spot now, and it always pays to be early when dealing with the logistics of international travel. For some specifics on getting the info you need to make your reservations, I have listed some of the vital information below:

All China Leather Exhibition (ACLE) 2009

in a joint presentation with

China International Footwear Fair (CIFF) & Moda Shanghai 2009

September 2 - 4, 2009

Shanghai New International Expo Centre
Longyang Road
Pudong, Shanghai, 201204
China

Last but certainly not least, for those who would like to know who this show is specifically for, here’s a list of the visitor profiles (by industry sector) that the show organizers have produced:

* Importers & Exporters

* Semi-Finished

* Finished Leather

* Hides & Skins

* Components & Accessories

* Process Chemicals

* Tanning Machinery

* Synthetic Materials

* Man-made Leather

* Exotic Leather

* Shoe Machinery

* Technology

* General Public

* Footwear

* Handbags and Leather Goods

* Garment

* Fashion Accessories

* Travel Wares

* Related Services

Some of the hungry power-players looking to get a minute of your time will be hailing from companies like Dongguan Wanhua Leather Co.,Ltd, Wenzhou Ruixin Leather Co., Ltd, Wai Hing Leather Mfg Co.,Ltd, Chaei Hsin Enterprise Co.,Ltd, Wenzhou Synthetic Leather Co., Ltd, Zhejiang Longyue Technology Co., Ltd, Taiwan Haoquan Enterprises Co.,Ltd,Comshoe Spanish Shoe Component, Wenzhou Baifeng Shoes Material Industry Co., Ltd, Haining Haixiang Group Co.,Ltd, Wenzhou Liyu Shoe Materials Co.,Ltd, Wenzhou Nanfang Shoes Material Co.,Ltd, Nanjing Great Eastern Resins Co., Ltd, Nanbao Resins Co.,Ltd. Desma (Guangzhou) Machinery & Engineering Co., Ltd, and Wenzhou Shenming Shoe-making Machinery. be on your guard, but remember that the event will also be geared toward makin this a fun experience for all, and I hear that there will even be a scheduled trip to local factories for selected participants on the second day of the fair. More is expected to materialize, as the show date draws nearer.

As you can see, this event is certainly not limited to shoes, and should be considered seriously by anyone who wants to get to know the climate in China’s leather business, as the attending exhibitors and promoters strive to put on their best show for eager buyers. Come to think of it, Shanghai isn’t far from Hangzhou, and I’ll be very interested to see what goes on at this particular event. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Liquidation Expo from ASD Offers New Marketplace for Liquidation, Closeout, Excess Inventory … Long Beach June 7 to 9

Marie — Thu, 21 May 2009 10:57:36 +0000

ASD Liquidation Expo

More than 150 exhibitors who specialize in excess inventory, retail liquidation, discount merchandise and bankruptcy proceedings will gather at the Long Beach Convention Center from June 7 to 9. Liquidation Expo, a first from ASD and Nielsen Business Media Merchandise Group, pulls together typically far-ranging discount-priced product sources into an organized marketplace for buyers and sellers of retail liquidation merchandise.

Right Timing. Right Pricing. Liquidation Expo gathers under one roof many segments of deep-discount merchandise sources for gifts, housewares, health and beauty supplies, POP impulse goods and seasonal items. And, in the current economy, this clustering of liquidation and closeout merchandise sellers offers buyers unique opportunities to leverage value-priced product sourcing … supporting retailer margins.

“By bringing many qualified exhibitors together, Liquidation Expo will consolidate this historically fragmented market, allowing retailers to take advantage of timely opportunities,” said Chris McCabe, Vice President of Nielsen Business Media’s Merchandise Group.

Right Location. In addition to offering discount-driven buying opportunities, Liquidation Expo is the only liquidation and closeouts trade show sited in the Southwest Region and Southern California – an important domestic and international business hub.

Join value price-driven retail buyers, and diverse product category discount sellers (including Kole Imports, 4Seasons General Merchandise, Leon Korol, Selective Imports), at ASD’s new Liquidation Expo, June 7 thru 9, at the Long Beach California Convention Center. Register for Liquidation Expo.

ASD Calendar

ASD Las Vegas wrapped up another successful Spring show March 15 to 18, connecting Sellers (Manufacturers, Wholesale Distributors) with Buyers (Independent Retailers, International Chains) in four breakout shows: Value-Priced/Variety Merchandise, Jewelry and Gift Shows and the Tactical Military Outdoor Show. ASD Spring featured more than 950 new exhibitors, expanding Buyer-Seller discount product sourcing opportunities at ASD’s trademark comprehensive, one-stop shows.

Liquidation Expo launches June 7 to 9 at the Long Beach Convention Center, a first-time gathering of all segments of the discount-priced liquidation, closeout and excess inventory industry in southern California, serving retailers of liquidation merchandise in many value-driven product categories. (See registration information above.)

ASD Las Vegas August

ASD August Las Vegas runs from August 9 to 12, featuring Fashion Accessories, Value Apparel, Toys & Novelties, Licensed Products, Health & Beauty Products, Smoking Accessories, Military-Tactical Outdoor and Surplus Merchandise, Tools and Hardware, General Merchandise and Closeouts. Buyer-Seller opportunities focus on Fall and Back-to-School inventory across its four show segments, from Value/Variety Merchandise to Jewelry and Gifts. Register for ASD Las Vegas August.

ASD East NY

ASD East, at New York’s Jacob Javits Convention Center from September 13 to 15, meets business and cost-efficiency needs of exhibitors and buyers by streamlining three smaller regional shows into one mega-sized, northeastern regional trade show in the vibrant New York marketplace.

ASD East builds on the 25-year track record of New York Variety Merchandise Show – known for its range of best-price products – by offering an even wider set of exhibitors who serve independent retailers, plus unique items across categories (from toys, souvenirs and novelties to fashion accessories, personal care, and holiday/seasonal items). This combined mega-show supports local exhibitors and fall seasonal buys, as well as holiday fill-in orders and New Year opportunity buys.

“By focusing on one annual market, buyers and sellers are able to reduce the number of shows they must attend and, at the same time, reap more business from a single event that is critically timed and focused on their target market,” said Chris McCabe, Vice President of Nielsen Business Media’s Merchandise Group, which produces all ASD trade shows. Register for the September NYC mega-show from ASD’s web site at ASD East .

Value Pricing At Its Best: Buyers/Sellers For Summer/Fall Head To Value Price Expos In May … Las Vegas and Atlantic City

Marie — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:50:51 +0000

Against the tide of economic belt-tightening, Value Price Expo staged its New York City event in January and surpassed all expectations –- Jacob Javits Convention Center saw high attendance levels and drew both old and new buyers from all corners of the value-priced and discount merchandise marketplace.

Value Price Expos - May 2009

Now comes a May double-header: Price-conscious buyers and sellers will place orders for Summer and Fall inventory in a broad range of product categories – at the same time that they leverage new business opportunities and contacts – at two major regional Value Price events: WEST Las Vegas from May 4 to 6 and EAST Atlantic City from May 17 - 19.

VP Expo Las Vegas

Join the value-priced merchandise marketplace in Las Vegas (Tuscany Casino Ballroom) from May 4 to 6. Prepare to make discount deals across dozens of product categories, including Housewares, Consumer Electronics, Toys, Hardware, Health & Beauty, Gifts, Novelties and Sporting Goods.

Expand your trade show return on investment by not only sourcing with major value-priced exhibitors at VP Expo, but also accessing opportunities at the National Hardware Show running at the same time at the Las Vegas Convention Center. (Note that the hardware show runs independent from Value Price Expo Las Vegas; there is no reciprocal admission agreement.)

VP Expo - Atlantic City

For East Coast and MidAtlantic wholesalers/retailers preparing for Summer and early Fall seasonal demands, Value Price Expo Atlantic City offers a well-timed event from May 17 to 19 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Eastern seaboard discount-priced exhibitors offer a mix of Health & Beauty products, Gifts, Souvenirs, Apparel, Novelties, Sporting Goods, Electronics, Housewares, Toy and Hardware. Area retailers can hold margins steady by making contact with a wide range of discount-priced merchandise exhibitors … building inventory just ahead of the Summer customer buying season.

If you’re a value-priced seller, reserve your booth online for the May 17 start day. For more details, including online exhibitor information, contract forms and more, click here.

This is the floor plan for the Atlantic City Convention Center … but hurry. Floor space is filling up.

Buyers can register online here for Value Price Expo Atlantic City, May 17-19, 2009.

ASD/AMD Hit the Numbers – Merging 4 Trade Shows, 14 Special Markets, 100 Product Categories. Buyers/Sellers Hit the Mark with Face-to-Face Wholesale, Discount, Surplus Deals

Marie — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:29:56 +0000

ASD/AMD Show

Top Ten Wholesale went to ASD/AMD Las Vegas and, maybe, should have launched satellite cameras and Big Picture macro lenses to take in all of the huge ASD/AMD trade show from March 15 to 18. Fortunately, trade show directors (big shout out to Chris, Dell and many others!) streamlined show navigation and traffic, with special market sections across four trade shows at all three venues.

We could focus on person-to-person buyer-seller interactions.

All-Access Passes. Every registrant got an All-Access Pass to Gift, Value, Variety Merchandise, Jewelry and Military-Tactical Outdoor Shows … multiplying access to more exhibitors and more product categories. As we cruised through all the venues, ASD/AMD became all-in-one opportunities for Buyers to add complimentary products to their merchandise mix, compare price points and leverage diverse exhibitors and products.

How To Navigate ASD/AMD

Spotted in Special Show Sections

Individual shows broke into markets and specialized sections. The combined Value and Variety Merchandise shows gathered 2200 exhibitors (275 new to ASD/AMD) into one-stop product sourcing, which made it more manageable and time efficient to track down exhibitors by market … Fashion Accessories, Toys & Novelties, Licensed Products, Health & Beauty Products, Smoking Accessories, Military Tactical Outdoor, Value Apparel, Tools and Hardware, General Merchandise and Closeouts.

Value-Priced General Merchandise. Dominating discount general merchandise exhibits in the Las Vegas Convention Center, we saw discount store inventory source Kole Imports and 4 Seasons General Merchandise , with its sports and outdoor hot items – including Flashing Clicker Balls – and its large home décor exhibit, featuring seasonal gifts, novelties, flowers and more.

Via Trading boasted a big presence in the Closeouts special section of the convention center, befitting a one-stop source for Overstocks, Closeouts and Customer Returns. And, tip of the hat to Jacobs Trading Company — direct-source specialists of customer returns, overstocks and shelf-pulls for discount/surplus stores, flea market vendors, auctioneers and online wholesalers and retailers. Jacobs Trading Company’s hot show commodities were electronics (video games) and value-price apparel.

Apparel, Accessories, Specialty Gifts Sellers Spotted. Ranging from manufacturer-direct irregulars, first-run and overstock inventory … to liquidation lots and narrow-market specialty items. We met up with R. G. Riley source of manufacturer-direct (Gildan, Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, Russel, Delta) irregulars and casual clothes for men, women and children. Plus GENCO, home of liquidation auctions (Fixed Price, Sealed Bids) supplying over $5 Million in liquidation, below-wholesale retail inventory every day); and Great Lakes Wholesale . All at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

We found specialty clothing, gifts and accessories exhibitors, including Emby Hosiery , Trans USA Products (v. cool LED key rings), Eagle Emblems , Fun Express and Knockout Decals. PLUS the Seasonal & Holiday Specials – food, gift and party supplies; health & beauty products; supplies for babies, pets, household) lines from Jasmine Trading .

ASD/AMD’s dedicated market sections also helped us find booths focused on lifestyle or product segments, like Hip Hop Wholesale , Accessories West Imports , Cesti Handbags , Selni Neckwear and Capico Accessories . Oh … saw the latest in fashionable and functional shades at Jay-Y Sunglasses’ large booth.

Putting “Skin” in the Game. It was nice to sense the large booth and presence of Perfume Center America , as well as “second skin” sellers at Dealer Leather and Leather Impressions.

As the largest national gift show in the Western U.S., ASD/AMD’s Las Vegas Gift Show presented 360 exhibitors (more than 100 of them new to this show), with section breakouts for Home Décor, Gourmet Foods, Religious-Spiritual Products, and Plush & Dolls.

Full Bling Ahead. The Jewelry Show at ASD/AMD runs full-range at the Mirage Grand Ballroom and Events Center: From Fine and Custom Jewelry to Fashion and Costume lines; from loose gemstones and beads to engagement/wedding rings, diamonds, and estate jewelry. The jewelry show, too, was clustered by dedicated product categories for every-sized retail channel, working at all price points.

Hellos to jewelry designer-manufacturer-wholesaler J. Good and to Philips International Cool Jewels .

Right Merchandise Mix-Ups. A great feature of ASD/AMD is its wide-open, wide-ranging variety – where fine jewelry buyers cross paths with sword and knife sellers; where men’s / women’s / children’s discount apparel wholesalers easily cross tracks with all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes.

The Military Tactical Outdoor Show again appeared alongside ASD/AMD’s three main trade shows — so that buyers who focus only on their pre-show shopping lists can mix their merchandise lines and boost profit margins. We saw these profitable merchandise “mix ups” with Military Collectibles (like Sczo Supplies), with deeply discounted and popular Military Surplus Clothing, Government Issue Surplus Merchandise. Even motorized vehicles and ATVs … plus the leather “biker” apparel and accessories that go with the machines.

Booths With Buzz. These featured new products that attracted lots of trade show attention: Varabella with a uniquely designed 4-in-1 purse. Smoking Everywhere , among many new suppliers of electronic, smokeless and flavored faux cigarettes, smoking accessories. Plus Ortery , a light box/photo capture device.

“Cool” In Eye of Beholder. These caught the eye of ASD/AMD attendee – Susette of Top Ten Wholesale – as Cool Products: 95 and Sunny’s glass nail files (lifetime guaranteed) and hand-painted wine glasses. (It’s true!! I was gifted last season with a giant and gorgeous Happy Birthday hand-painted martini glass. Yes, it’s a work of handcrafted art; and it is way cool.) M&M General Fashion (colored fashion eye lenses). Peace Electronics’ “fun novelty items” including caps with hair extensions.

At first, I thought this Cool New Product tip might look like this …

Knit Cap with Hair Extensions

But that’s an OLD hot product, Pet Halloween Apparel

Rasta Cat Halloween

Here’s the real deal, the foldable Magic Visor with three fun changeable heads of hair … Gray (salt ‘n pepper), Brunette or Blonde.

Magic Visor Fun Hair

Email Peace Electronics at PeaceEle@aol.com for more on Fun Hair.

Linking Qualified Buyers and Sellers Globally … with Refined Marketing Tactics

Hat tip, again, to ASD/AMD show managers, who keep expanding the range of product Buy/Sell opportunities, and who also refine exhibitor floor plans to help show goers navigate through this major trade show to find the right deals.

A proven online path to linking up with the right wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers is by using search engines, ad networks, product directories and other industry vertical channels that are customized to the needs of Buyers and Sellers in the general merchandise, footwear and apparel industries.

Pinpoint Vertical Marketing Strategies. Free insider tips were available at ASD/AMD Las Vegas’ Industry Seminars. Topics covered: Branding; Buying and Selling Online; Email Marketing; Boosting eBay Auction Profits … and a basic Understanding Search Engine Marketing.

Beyond the Basics. Top Ten Wholesale.com (a media partner of ASD/AMD) publicized its link up with global product source Manufacturer.com (which remains HQ’d in China) … to drill down into the worldwide supply chain. Anyone see that sea of white bags at both Sands Expo and the Las Vegas Convention Center?? That’s where two global brands …

Top Ten Wholesale

and

Manufacturer.com

met.

No borders!

Search marketing opportunities refined for vertical, industry B2B searchers … Ad network reach … and industry Product Sourcing Directories of Top Ten Wholesale – plus, now, Manufacturer.com – are part of a global network. It includes Wholezilla, Off Price Network, WholesaleU, Top Ten Trends, Industry News Feeds, Professional Blogs. And more.

Benefits Beyond the Basics:

· Reach product sourcing Buyers and Sellers at every level of the supply chain;

· Gain visibility among qualified industry prospects and customer leads … who are in specific product category search mode. Vertical search prospects are ready to deal;

· Pinpoint advertising, rank on search results pages and reach an insider network of wholesalers, contract manufacturers, resellers, chain store buyers, auction power-sellers and retailers … 24/7/365.

Get an Individual Profile from global partner Manufacturer.com or check on Advertising with Manufacturer.com .

Benefit way Beyond the Basics with expert, insider vertical networking and search marketing through Top Ten Wholesale Advertising . You put the entire JP Communications Network to work for you, too!!

February 2009 Off-Price Specialist Show Brings It Home

Marie — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:44:14 +0000

This Is Off-Price

Off Price Show Feb 2009

New buyers (from boutique, international, internet retail segments) … a 10% bump in trade show attendees … great off-price product sourcing for quality apparel (basic, branded, designer), accessories, footwear and jewelry.

The February Off-Price Specialist Show – part of Las Vegas Fashion Week — ran from February 15-18 in the Venetian Grand Ballrooms. This show ensured that buyers, retailers, exhibitors, sellers and industry professionals all brought it home, drawing more than 10,000 value-seeking fashion buyers and exhibitors … an increase of 10% over last year’s show.

The view from Buyers and Sellers –

· Even seasoned off-price show buyers, like Penny Rosenberger of The Merchandise Network New York, increased their buying: “I spent more money at this show than any other Off-Price Show and it’s amazing that this is happening in this economy. But my stores need more value items.”

· New buyer Angelo Petta, of The Urban Boutique in Ontario Canada, said, “The show exceeded my expectation. I made some great purchases and left with many, many key contacts.”

· During his first visit to an Off-Price Specialist Show, Matthan Walker (of Progressive Unlimited in Harlem and a new store opening in Chicago) was impressed with “Really nice prices on good quality merchandise…” besides being pleased over writing one of his women’s apparel and jewelry store’s best winter orders.

· Seller/exhibitor Joni Dahan, of Sapman Sportswear in Los Angeles, stated her sports apparel company had one of its “best shows” at Off-Price. “Buyers were behaving as though business was booming. They were aggressive and satisfied with their purchases. It didn’t feel like a sluggish economy at all…”

Of the new retail buyer faces and trends that were noted –

VP of the Off-Price Show David Lapidos said, “We’re thrilled to see a lot of new faces who need our off price specialists to add more excitement to their stores.” New faces included Boutique Buyers, Internet Retailers and more International Buyers. Trends that were marked: More in-season buying for Spring instead of Fall, including men’s Spring clothes and Women’s swim apparel.

Count among the exhibitors who definitely “brought it home” –

· Josh Fhima (DeLUXE Off-Price, Los Angeles) who had a “phenomenal first day” at Off-Price;

· Tony Christian (Character Marketing, Gardena CA) who wrote “…more orders in the first day at Off-Price than at three shows put together at another (industry) venue.”

· Allen Bayer (Design Ideas Ltd/AJB Associates, NY) who had “…the best first day ever. We moved all of our most exciting products.”

“Bring It Home” Next Time — The next Off-Price Specialist Show is August 28 through September 1, 2009 at the Las Vegas Sands Expo & Convention Center. This trade show will offer added product categories by featuring a new home and gift expansion called “Home.” Visit Off-Price Show for information and updates.

Off-Price Specialist Show Heats Profit Margins in a Cool Economy

Marie — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:22:21 +0000

Off Price Specialist Show

Value-price-seeking Buyers at the February 15 opening day of Off-Price Show bumped up their numbers by almost 800 attendees. Sellers/Exhibitors at Off-Price – the trade show for men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories at 20-to-70% below original wholesale prices – did brisk order writing from day one, according to Top Ten Wholesale’s eyes and ears in Las Vegas.

Economic Stimulus Reality Check. Don Browne, Marketing Manager for Off-Price Specialist Show, saw the bump in attendance stats as one result of marketing the word on off-price product sourcing through more media partners (like Top Ten Wholesale).

Don highlighted a bottom-line fact – sourcing off-price merchandise at up to 70% below wholesale has become a hot marketplace in the current uncertain economy. You Have to Buy Right to Sell Right is Off-Price’s message.

Don added: “I’m very happy to report that buyers are writing orders; vendors are happy; show attendees are finding exciting new buys to bring back to their stores … with great discounted prices and great bargains in this struggling economy.”

Don Browne at OffPrice Feb 09

See Don from the Off-Price show room floor in this short video: Record Day at Off-Price URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5SiqU2bMvw .
Don Browne at OffPrice Show Feb 09

Riding the Off-Price Wave. After Kevin, of Off-Price Show Management, confirmed that registered attendance is definitely up, Justin, from partner Top Ten Wholesale, declared the buy-sell activity on opening was “a phenomenal day yesterday.” And Justin promised to carry over the strong momentum … “to ride that wave.”

Justin, Kevin Ride OffPrice Wave

Here are Kevin and Justin in front of the cool blue and brushed aluminum exhibit for Top Ten Wholesale and Manufacturer.com. Get a feel for riding that Off-Price wave by hearing Kevin and Justin discuss opening day activity in this under-a-minute YouTube video: 1st Day at Off-Price Show URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4Mg_Mj37bQ .
Justin, Kevin Ride OffPrice Wave

This Is Off Price is a web site sampling of wholesale values and best price points on apparel, accessories and footwear available at Off-Price Shows.

Mark Your August Calendar for Next Time. If you missed this February show, don’t miss the late Summer Off-Price Show returning to Las Vegas from August 28 to September 1 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center. Exhibitors who plan ahead can find information on eligibility, exhibit packages and pricing at Off-Price Summer Show .

ASD/AMD Trade Shows: Value … Volume … Variety Converge for Buyers and Sellers

Marie — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:35:21 +0000

ASD/AMD – one of the largest merchandise trade shows in the U.S. — clusters discount and designer lines of Apparel, Fashion Accessories, Jewelry, Gifts and Military Outdoor/Surplus Goods into comprehensive product sourcing opportunities.

Buyers and Sellers can leverage the sheer scale of a major trade show marketplace, using face-to-face contacts with over 3,500 companies who exhibit thousands of products in 150 leading product categories.

Pick a season – Winter/March or Summer/August or Autumn/September in 2009. Pick a region – ASD/AMD Las Vegas in Winter and Summer. ASD/AMD New York City in September, with Eastern vendors, sellers and warehouse shippers. ASD/AMD has a trade show to meet every Buyer’s and Seller’s needs.

Here are highlights:

ASD/AMD Show

WINTER :: March 15 to 18, 2009 Las Vegas Nevada

· Four Shows (Variety Merchandise, Gifts, Jewelry, Military Tactical Outdoor) in three Las Vegas venues (Las Vegas Convention Center, Sands Expo Center, Mirage Events Center) … where one registration badge admits you to all the above.

To Buy or Attend: Register here for ASD/AMD Las Vegas March 2009 .

For an overview of the upcoming Las Vegas ASD/AMD show – including Exhibitor links to floor plans, resources, contracts – see ASD/AMD Las Vegas.

· Use ASD/AMD Planning and Navigation Help. Organize your Buying and Product Sourcing time with ASD/AMD’s Las Vegas navigation aides. Look for floor sections organized by product categories within the main shows.

For example: At the Variety Merchandise Show find floor sections dedicated to Fashion Accessories or Souvenirs, Health & Beauty Products or Toys. The ASD/AMD Gift Show has four specialized floor sections dedicated to Gifts & More, Furniture & Home Décor, Specialty & Gourmet Foods, and Holiday & Seasonal Items.

Use the ASD/AMD Event Planner Tool – downloadable from the bold link – to plan your time at the show. You can set your own itinerary; remind yourself to call on specific exhibitors; attend free training seminars and calendar off-site entertainment.

ASD/AMD Show

SUMMER :: August 9 to 12, 2009 Las Vegas

Combined shows – Variety, Gifts, Jewelry, Military Tactical – with added brand and sourcing opportunities:

o China Brand Show, where wholesalers/distributors meet up with 150 of China’s name brand manufacturers in electronics, textiles & clothing and consumer merchandise.

o Source Direct, a meet-up of 200 international manufacturers with direct contract sourcing reps in decorative accessories, fashion/costume jewelry, souvenirs and novelties.

ASD/AMD Show

AUTUMN :: September 13 to 15, 2009 New York City

· Big Apple B2B Marketplace – ASD/AMD at Javits Convention Center in mid-September is where wholesalers, distributors and chain retailers meet, order and take delivery of the latest trendy products.

· Pre-Holiday Right Timing Plus Right Delivery – Most exhibitors at ASD/AMD NYC are located on the Eastern seaboard, for lowest shipping charges and best inventory delivery times.

· Buyers and Attendees – Register for Fall ASD/AMD New York here.

Walk-through ASD/AMD in 2008
Want to walk the aisles of one of the largest merchandise trade shows in the United States, without leaving your desk? Scan this wrap-up of ASD/AMD Summer 2008 in Las Vegas from Nielsen Business Media. Scan ASD/AMD Marketplace: Your Industry Source.