DALLAS — Retailers sought novelty styles and products with high markup potential and strong value at Fashion Industry Gallery’s three-day market that ended Aug. 13.
They said business has been ahead this year, which spurred an upbeat outlook despite economic uncertainties.
“We’re rocking and rolling,” said Lila Ashmore, buyer for Vesta’s in Little Rock, Ark. “We are spending more, and we’re testing new lines like Henry & Belle denim and Mark & Estell.”
Tricia Roberts, owner of Adelante in Austin, Tex., said, “We’re having a good year. I’ve increased my open-to-buy about 15 percent this year. We’re trying to chase ’08 numbers. It’s about price points.”
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Connie Sigel, owner of Elements in Dallas, said her store had rebounded significantly from a “horrible” year in 2009 and was reaping 2007 sales figures.
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“I’m looking for anything that looks incredible that will sell,” she said, citing Camilla’s printed silk crepe caftans and Chan Luu’s skirts. “My markdowns were the more conservative collections that weren’t really special.”
Ashley Weilenman, contemporary buyer for Maison Weiss in Jackson, Miss., shopped for resort, picking up chambray linen camisoles and long silk skirts by CP Shades. Her budget was flat because resort is a small season for the store, but her fall buy was up.
“The ladies in Mississippi want to look really tailored and clean — preppy with an edge,” she said. “Long skirts are everywhere but they still want miniskirts.”
Buyers kept an eye on prices.
“You have to be careful with the price and value,” said Gary Rosenblum, national sales manager for contemporary line Drew.
His bestseller was a knit blouson dress at $42 wholesale. Drew also did well novelty striped silk camisoles and tap shorts at higher prices.
Monica Barthelotti, owner of Aqua Showroom, said Raina belts wholesaling at $89 were on the upswing, and Sarah Briggs jewelry has done exceptionally well this year since the designer reduced wholesale prices 40 percent to $28 to $48.
“People are coming in but buying smarter, tighter and closer to delivery,” Barthelotti said. “I’ve written tons of immediate orders for jewelry.”
Shirin Askari showed at FIG for the first time since launching her business after appearing on “Project Runway” season six in 2009. The Dallas designer has picked up some key accounts for her dresses and blouses, including Miss Jackson’s in Tulsa, Okla.
“We saw buyers really looking for new designers and new trends,” said Emma Greathouse, FIG director. “This is a change as over the past few years we have seen most stores perfect buying and continue to stick to ‘safe’ designers they know will sell through.”