For a large B2B trade show, there’s nothing better than starting off a new year with robust, record-breaking participation. Case in point: Dallas Market Center’s January Apparel & Accessories Market, the largest U.S. marketplace for women’s apparel, accessories and footwear. Held Jan. 10-13, the venue’s largest event in years enjoyed an overall attendance increase versus pre-pandemic shows and featured an expanded marketplace of approximately 750 exhibitors, including new permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors. 

In addition to overall participation gains, the January show welcomed more buyers from key U.S. regions including the Southeast and upper Midwest as well as internationally. The event’s increase in reach and attendance comes on the heels of 2022 marketplace shows that were up almost 20% compared to 2019, according to Dallas Market Center officials. 

“The year began with a big show in Dallas, marketplace enthusiasm and strong order writing from retailers visiting from coast to coast and internationally,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “We are thrilled with the momentum and the new buyers who are choosing to do business in Dallas. They tell us they feel inspired and supported by our marketplace and its exhibitor community.”

Also taking place at the same time as the Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market were the WESA International Western and Equipment Market and the AETA Equestrian Show, held Jan. 12-15, which also experienced significant attendance gains.  

A Boom in Buyers

Besides thousands of buyers, the January 2023 show welcomed major stores representing hundreds of millions of dollars in purchasing power, including Boot Barn, Buckle, Choctaw Casino Retail, Landry’s Retail, Cavenders, Scheels, Tylers and Von Maur. 

Many retailers commented that they continue to return to the Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market not only because of the incredible variety of vendors and product but also the convenience of finding everything they need for their stores under one roof.  

For first-time attendee Charlene Harrison from Apricot Lane in Colorado Springs, the show’s positive reputation served as a huge draw.

“Everyone says this [show is] the best, so we don’t have to go anywhere else,” Harrison said. “There [are]…a lot of new brands here. We are having such a good time, [and] it’s exceeded our expectations.” 

Additions, Expansions and Highlights

In preparation for the show’s anticipated surge in attendance, Dallas Market Center grew its footwear neighborhood and experienced a 45% jump in showroom exhibitors compared with 2021. The event also expanded its apparel and accessories options, including in its Young Contemporary section across two floors as well as new and expanded permanent showrooms. 

Event highlights included a contemporary fashion show for hundreds of buyers at the World Trade Center atrium as well as a Western and English Fashion Show that welcomed hundreds of guests for the show and live music.  

A global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America, Dallas Market Center connects retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in gourmet and housewares, home décor, holiday/floral, gifts, lighting and apparel. 

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