OFFPRICE Show Continues to Build Post-Pandemic Momentum
August 29, 2022
Known for attracting buyers and retailers of all sizes who converge to source excess fashion inventory at up to 70% off retail prices, the biannual OFFPRICE Show has been historically known as the nation’s largest off-price fashion industry trade show. Held Aug. 6-9 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, the 55th edition experienced an uptick in participation, with attendees enthusiastically shopping from a cornucopia of apparel, beauty, home and gift products, as well as the show’s newest highlighted category section, Accessories.
Produced by Tarsus Group, the value-based apparel show takes place biannually in Las Vegas in February and August during Las Vegas Fashion Week. The show targets a variety of businesses, from small business owners to retailers for national chain stores.
According to OFFPRICE officials, the order-writing trade show has become a go-to destination for value-conscious retailers seeking quality merchandise that is priced competitively and ready for immediate shipping.
“The significance of the off-price sector is being recognized by retailers more than ever,” said Audrey Taylor, global retail business manager at OFFPRICE Show. “As the industry evolves, more and more buyers are realizing the quality, unique value and array of opportunities that are available at OFFPRICE. Our vendors offer retailers flexibility, speed to market and higher margins that can’t be found anywhere else. That’s why we’re seeing more than 20% new buyers at each show since 2020.”
According to show officials, at this edition of OFFPRICE:
- Major retailer attendance more than doubled year over year.
- 29% of all buyers were new attendees.
- 13% were international buyers.
- 23% of all buyers represented regional national chain retailers.
- Compared to the February 2022 show, exhibitors and net square feet increased 8%.
- International buyer presence has fully returned to pre-pandemic levels.
In 2019, the show attracted 5,552 attendees and 431 exhibitors covering more than 119,000 sq. ft. of expo space, according to the TSNN 2019 Top Trade Shows List.
In keeping with years past, the show once again featured a range of exhibitors showcasing quality apparel, footwear and accessories at discount prices, including Karla Rendon from Tasha Apparel.
“I’ve been coming here for 18 years, and the quality of goods have always gotten better,” Rendon said. “The show is experiencing huge growth in their online presence, and a lot of promotion and marketing going on. People love coming here to gather and talk about what’s new.”
With an increased focus on e-commerce, boutique owners and small retailers in attendance said they were looking to capitalize on quality value-priced products. This show also gave special attention to sourcing seasonal and margin-building inventory for the upcoming holiday season.
Besides the new Accessories section that helped retailers identify that category on the showfloor more easily, there were also many networking opportunities for buyers and sellers to meet and mingle at popcorn and gelato socials, as well as a Sip and Shop in the ever-popular Cash and Carry section.
Additionally, both buyers and sellers were able to take advantage of market opportunities due to last year’s supply chain issues. Because of the added inventory in the market, many retailers were introduced to new suppliers and were able to expand their network of vendors for the future, according to OFFPRICE officials.
“[At this show, a] retailer looking for specific product categories could source a wide range of styles and designs all in one place, instead of having to visit multiple places to find the inventory they need,” explained Tricia Barglof, executive director of the OFFPRICE Show. “Additionally, the show offers the opportunity to purchase products at a lower cost, which can be passed onto consumers and drive sales.”
She continued, “We aim to redefine how buyers and vendors interact with each other in a welcoming environment and find everything under one roof. As the industry continues its recovery, it’s clear that the OFFPRICE Show continues to evolve and revolutionize the retail business.”
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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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