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
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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