Negative news predicting a sluggish economy, coupled with exaggerated stories of economic disasters, have been pushed to the wayside, thanks to the huge success and impact of the recent OFFPRICE Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

For those who were willing to put their own skepticism aside, delegates and attendees at the massive wholesale exhibition were rewarded with a selling environment that could not have been possible without the support of industry players who looked further down the road.

(Happy attendees squeeze through the crowd as they peruse aisles.)

To add to the frenzy of excitement, the OFFPRICE Show was held in a new and notably improved venue that offered not only a bigger selling space, but a huge upgrade from the prior location. Industry experts said that the greatest feature for the 10,000+ attendees, was the show’s new home in the grand stage of The Sands Expo & Convention Center.

David Lapidos, OFFPRICE Executive Vice President, exclaimed that the show featured “High ceilings, fabulous lights… all the vendors were happy, and the buyers couldn’t be happier! It was very gratifying to receive feedback from EVERYONE on how much they love our new home.” According to sources at the show, many of the buyers are now calling the OFFPRICE Show “The Promotional MAGIC,” to which Lapidos expressed great satisfaction upon hearing.

In spite of budget cuts and tightening marketing dollars, 128 more booths were on display than last year’s show, along with 46 more exhibitors. Once again, the August OFFPRICE Show set the tone for a vibrant economy in wholesale, despite claims that a struggling economy would be undermining everyone’s efforts. The overwhelming theme of the show was centered around best prices, and delegates were busily handling large volumes of order-writing to satisfy the demand heaped upon them by energetic buyers.

Andy Shamsi has a company called Cosmo Trading in New York, and has been exhibiting for 10 years. When asked about order-writing, he replied “I had the greatest first day ever, and my second day was even better.”

Shamsi also explained that much of his order-writing was generated from existing customers, but upon further investigation, it became clear that the opportunities for first time orders were enormous as well.  Peter Gardner, of Mizrahi-Gardner in LA, was enthusiastic in telling event promoters that  a large retailer from Canada took a majority of stock from one of his brands, which was a large boost to his overall sales. He added “On the last day, I wrote a very nice order with a buyer from Guam.”

On the international scene, there is strong evidence showing that interest is flourishing, and event coordinators were able to report that over 400 buyers from global locations such as Canada, Mexico, and even others as far away as New Zealand, were representing chains in attendance. All were buying product, and the networking opportunities were unparalleled.

On the domestic front, there was an interesting and perhaps telling trend. While the largest of the off price and discount retailers were represented at the show, a noticeably influential number of smaller independent retailers and operators proved to be the ones who contributed most to the growth of the OFFPRICE buyer community.

Such responses were heard from a variety of attendees, including Rosa Jones of Diamond Girl in Homestead, Florida. “I gained some new vendors that I am very pleased with at this show, and I’m already registered for (A TASTE OF) OFFPRICE in LA (in October) to seek out more deals on trendy goods for my urban boutique.”

Newer buyers such as Jerry Leehan of N&S Sports Memorabilia in Plainfield, MA said “It was a fun experience, as well as a great resource for my business. I met some great connections and purchased some great apparel.  I will be attending next year for sure.”

Lapidos went on to comment about the question of competition in the industry. “We enjoy enormous support from the national chains, but we also help the little guys grow their businesses. They can’t compete with the Wal-Marts on price, but (through OFFPRICE) they can put in better-recognized merchandise at a lower price. And that’s what buyers need to fight the big boxes.”

A group of big box retailers known as the “400 Founders Club” were representing the largest national chains that came to buy at the August OFFPRICE Show, and they made full use of the ample space and accommodations of the show floor to pursue active order-writing and other immediate needs.

Upcoming OFFPRICE events with confirmed dates include:

A TASTE OF OFFPRICE (at LA Majors Market)

October 4-6, 2010

Exhibit Hall, California Market Center

Los Angles

OFFPRICE

February 13-16, 2011

Sands Expo & Convention Center

Las Vegas

A TASTE OF OFFPRICE (at NY Market Week)

May 1-3, 2011

Gotham Hall

New York