OFFPRICE Show Holds Its Own in Las Vegas
August 27, 2012
Dedicated to bargain apparel, accessories and footwear, OFFPRICE Show may have gained its momentum during the economic downtown, but it continues to have a strong presence even as things begin to turn around.
Held Aug. 19-22 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, the event spanned 125,000 net square feet and attracted approximately 500 exhibiting companies, which is on par with its February numbers of 126,000 square feet and 497 exhibiting companies.
August attendance was also close to the 11,500 that attended the previous event, according to show officials.
The show has seen boon times during the recession, with both of its biannual editions being honored as fastest-growing shows at the upcoming TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence Nov. 2-4 in Louisville, Ky.
Owned by U.K.-based Tarsus Group, OFFPRICE was part of the Las Vegas's biannual Fashion Week, which included events at several venues across town such as the Las Vegas Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
"We are getting a wider variety of customers across all product categories," said David Lapidos, executive vice president of OFFPRICE, noting that the show has become a reliable source for retailers to connect the top brands and move the excess goods.
He added, "Buyers go to other shows to see the latest fashions and they come here to write orders."
Lapidos said that he had to turn exhibitors away for the August show and that more than 70 percent of the showfloor already is sold for the February show that will be located on the second floor at the Sands Expo Center.
He added that he also anticipates a "dynamic increase" in the footwear segment at the next year's event.
Exhibitor Sam Sutton with Sutton Industries said he had a good show, but he still feels the lack of consumer confidence as buyers continue to be cautious and focus on stocking the basics and keeping inventories low.
"At the same time, people are looking for novelty, and that's a good sign,” he added.
Attendee Polly Stemwedel, a buyer for Lentz Department Store, said she usually focuses on comfortable and casual children's and women's apparel, but this time, part of her budget was allocated for jewelry and accessories.
To help her test out new product lines, she added that she wished that the purchasing minimums were smaller.
While cautiously optimistic about her business, Stemwedel said, "I am ready for things to start picking up."
OFFPRICE will return Feb. 17–20 to Las Vegas.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment