Record Attendance at The Atlanta Shoe Market
The Atlanta Shoe Market (TASM) once again witnessed record increases in both exhibitor and retailer attendance during its February edition. Specifically, increases of 15.3 percent in retailer pre- registration, 13.1 percent in exhibition space and 8 percent in attending exhibitor personnel were reported. Retailers and exhibitors came from 33 states and there was also an increase in Caribbean attendance.
The show has simply become too important to miss, notes George Mustafa, sales manager for Trimfoot Company, who was exhibiting for his 24th consecutive year. It is evident in the participation of the major [retailers] from all across the country.
Trimfoot was one of 75 childrens shoes vendors in a new section dubbed, The Kids Shoe Box. The new area in the ballroom of the Galleria Renaissance Hotel was well-received. The retailers have had very positive comments on the idea of gathering all the childrens lines in one area, Mustafa says. It is one more way the show has been able to make it easier for them to do business.
I was very happy with the success of the show, says Laura Conwell- OBrien, show manager and executive director of Southeastern Shoe Travelers Association (SEST). We feel that part of the success of the show is the existing facility; the other part is that we are a non-profit, industry association that has the needs and wants of their vendors and retailers first and foremost in mind. Conwell- OBrien adds, It's cost effective for everyone to attend and we try and give back to all the attendees.
Continuing to build on its reputation as a buying show, TASM received high marks for convenience and affordability”exhibit space at a fraction of the cost of other shows and hotel rates in the $200- a-night range. This is about industry productivity not our profitability, notes Conwell-OBrien, adding that for now TASM plans to stay in its current location. She notes that additional exhibitors (currently the show has a waiting list) will be accommodated with the addition of 25,000 square feet of new space for the next show (Aug. 13-15). The space is being dubbed The Fashion Collection, and will feature womens better and salon lines. I have additional plans that could add accommodate 500 more booths in our current location, Conwell-OBrien notes. We will be able to accommodate a lot more companies in the current location”at least for now.
