News

Atlanta Apparel broke multiple attendance records at its co-located April 2021 Atlanta Apparel Market (April 13-17, 2021) and VOW | New World of Bridal Market (April 13-15, 2021), signaling a continued robust recovery for the apparel and accessories industry and optimism for bridal and social occasion sellers.

“The strength of the co-located Atlanta Apparel and VOW | New World of Bridal Markets indicates that the impressive recovery of the ready-to-wear apparel sector is expanding to specialty categories,” said Bob Maricich, CEO for International Market Centers (IMC). “Atlanta Apparel has established itself as the market-of-choice for fashion retailers post-pandemic and we are proud that our model is spurring recovery for the social occasion industry as well.”

The combined April 2021 Atlanta Apparel and VOW markets reported significant out-of-territory buyer growth with the biggest gains from the Southwest (107%), West (98%) and Midwest (66%). Overall attendance was largely regional with 87% coming from the Southeast and East Coast. In total, the markets surpassed the attendance records set at both their 2018 and 2019 presentations (the April 2020 markets were suspended due to COVID-19).

Back to Business for Bridal

VOW exhibitors reported confident buyers looking for a fresh start as weddings and social events return post pandemic.

Brands also reported seeing significant numbers of new buyers – a combination of new to them, new to Atlanta and new to business overall.

Retailers buying in VOW’s nearly 75 showrooms and temporaries – presenting top brands including Adrianna Papell Platinum, House of Wu, Mon Cheri and many more – were sourcing gowns in a range of styles and exploring custom and private label opportunities.

The next social occasion markets are the combined World of Prom & Social Occasion and VOW | New World of Bridal, Aug. 2-7, 2021. Showrooms are open Aug. 2-6, 2021, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Aug. 7, 2021, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Temporaries are open Aug. 3-6, 2021, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit Atlanta-Apparel.com.

Atlanta Apparel Keeps the Momentum

Upticks in new buyers, a need for immediate resources and new virtual selling channels drove record shows for Atlanta Apparel’s 2,500+ apparel and accessories brands.

April 2021 marked the debut of Autumn / Winter 2021 styles, but many buyers were focused on immediate product needs in addition to their pre-season buying.

Social selling from the trade show floor – when retailers take pre-orders for merchandise from customers via Facebook and Instagram Live – generated a great deal of buzz during market. Retailers used four social selling stations provided by Atlanta Apparel and powered by Comment Sold, as well as in-booth and showroom set-ups to showcase their market finds and get real-time commitments from their customers. As an additional opportunity for live selling, Atlanta Apparel extended the market hours on Thursday, April 15 to allow for buyers to source in some 50+ booths and showrooms which were prepped to serve buyers going live.

Pre-registration is open now for the June Atlanta Apparel, June 9-12, 2021. In June 2021, showrooms are open June 9-11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and June 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Temporaries are open June 9-11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information is at Atlanta-Apparel.com.