Covid measures in place at live event.
Buyers from across America attended WESA’s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market on 14 – 17 January.
The trade event was making its debut on the 11th floor of the World Trade Center in Dallas, Texas.
More than 1,000 brands were presented in temporary stands and permanent showrooms. Apparel and accessories, footwear, hats, and tack were represented alongside gift and home décor ranges.
“We are thrilled,” said WESA president Patrick Powers during the show. “Buyers all have a great attitude. They're excited to be here. They're excited to see the facility, the opportunity. It’s been fantastic.”
Exhibitors included Ariat, Justin Brands, Dan Post, Hooey, Hatco/Resistol, Wrangler, Scully, Panhandle, Partrade, Equibrand, Rios of Mercedes, M&F, Lucchese, Milano Hat Company, Cripple Creek, and Roper/Stetson.
“We had a great time at the WESA show, including opening 22 new accounts, a verbal agreement with a big retailer, we brought on two new distributors and networked with numerous independent reps,” said Anson Gessel of Bear Knuckles.
Barry Robinson of Rebel Rose added that he wrote “80% new business at this show”. While first-time exhibitor Jason Lenox of J. Alexander said: “It was busy and people were writing great orders; for us it was probably 80% new business.”
Covid measures
Face coverings were mandatory throughout the WESA show; with temperature screening for every person, every time they entered the event.
Online pre-registration kept contact minimal on entry. Cleaning with hospital grade products, hundreds of hand sanitising stations and signage for social distancing were among other Covid precautions.
In addition, the Dallas venue has open air parking, large entrances, multiple registration areas, wide hallways and multiple escalators to every floor, said organisers.
Numbers of people allowed at once into each showroom were carefully controlled, they added.
- The next WESA International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market takes place on 26 - 29 August, 2021.
Dallas skyline image by dianeowen18
