OFFPRICE Celebrates 40th Show Anniversary by Feting First-year Exhibitors
August 27, 2014
OFFPRICE, a trade show for retail buyers and off-price specialists, celebrated its 40th show and 20 years in business Aug.16-19 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas. Approximately 26 of the shows have been held at the Sands.
What started in 1995 in a few rooms stripped of furniture at the former Debbie Reynolds Hotel has grown into a thriving show and an integral part of the Fashion Week that takes over Las Vegas twice a year.
“That first year, we had 24 exhibitors and we still have 15 of them today,” said Todd Fabos, marketing manager at OFFPRICE.
Owned by U.K.-based Tarsus Group, the show had been holding steady over the past several years, with about 132,000 square feet, 500 exhibitor s and 8,000 retailers. Recently it’s been growing its Cash & Carry section, which is scheduled to expand into an adjoining ballroom next year.
The anniversary year has been marked with recognizing members of the OFFPRICE community through publications and social media.
“The months leading up to the event were filled with great stories and memories the OP community has shared over the years,” said Stephen Krogulski, CEO.
He added, “We are all looking forward to building upon our past successes and growing the importance of OFFPRICE as the premier destination for finding value at the right price.”
The show paid tribute to first-year exhibitors with special plaques and gave a red-carpet welcome to a buyer that had been attending since before it was an official event.
The Show Party featured a live band and a cocktail reception that went well into the night.
The floor was buzzing too. Fueled by the prospects of strong fourth quarter and overall improving economy, purchasing activity was brisk even on the last day.
“Fall and winter are selling extremely well,” Fabos said. “Also, we’re seeing an increasing interest in designer name brands from smaller boutiques. Name brands are not the first thing people think about when they think about OFFPRICE, but many of our exhibitors carry them.”
Long-time exhibitor Terry Murphy with JB Hus Groups enjoyed the celebration and was happy with the attendance on the floor.
“We’ve met people from Canada and South America,” he said. When asked about how well swimming suites are selling for winter, he said that the season is just starting in South America, hence his orders from Panama and Trinidad and Tobago. Up north, it’s swimming classes.
Discount children’s apparel was on the agenda for buyer Lashanta Campbell Dugay with Kelly’s Home Centre. “I’m shopping for both fall and spring,” she said. “It’s a great time to find bargains.” Dugay noted that, while she did find what she was looking for, it would have been easier if children’s items were grouped together.
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