INTERMEZZO COLLECTIONS is a juried RTW-ONLY Exhibition. All designers wishing to participate must submit
samples to be reviewed by our Screening Committee, a panel of key retailers and buying offices. This Committee
exercises stringent control over the size and product mix of the Exhibition. Moreover, the collective vote of the Screening Committee constitutes the final decision on all potential Exhibitors; the criteria used in evaluating each Company ranges from quality standards to originality of design to the demand for the particular product category within the season’s Exhibition. Companies are required to submit samples from every group that they wish to exhibit, in order to familiarize our Committee with the quality and design sense of the Collection.

Video Games

Though experts deemed the video game industry recession-proof in 2008, it finally began to show some weakness in 2009, as profits fell 14 percent in July from the same month last year. In efforts to counter this fall, publishers are shifting their priorities to promoting upcoming video game sequels. Call of Duty, Need for Speed and Assassin’s Creed are all games whose second or third chapter comes out this fall, though perhaps the most anticipated of them all, for gamers and analysts alike, is The Beatles: Rock Band. (Find out why at Newsday.)

Apparel

As their industry quickly became susceptible to economic decline, apparel retailers have begged designers since last year to create lines catering to today’s thrifty consumer. Designers have finally answered those prayers in their upcoming spring collections,  offering high-quality casual contemporary separates with a timeless feel.

“It’s creating a product that is buy-now, wear now,” said designer Peter Som to WWD. “At the end of the day, it’s a partnership with a retailer, and understanding what the customer is looking for, then taking that information and giving them that and something they didn’t know they were looking for. It’s the ultimate dance of commerce and creativity.” (Find out more at WWD.)

Movies

Re-releasing Disney’s cinematic classics is a selling strategy that Walt Disney created himself. But the upcoming theatrical showings of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are taking this marketing strategy to a  level beyond even 3-D, as they lay the groundwork for next year’s Toy Story 3.

A new line of consumer products, featuring Halloween costumes, DVD rereleases and toys, are set to follow the  theatrical releases.  As a result, the company hopes that Toy Story 3 will become one of Disney’s most profitable movies in years, with a level of success echoing that of its predecessors. (Find more information at the Wall Street Journal.)

Retailers, which of your tried-and-true products have carried you through the current economy? What do your customers like about them?

Here is a complete schedule of the shows that week taken from the Off-Price Show site

Off-Price Specialist Show

The Off-Price Specialist Show, which opens three days before MAGIC, is a great place to start your week shopping for apparel and accessories. From basics to designer goods, the Off-Price Show offers fantastic deals that can turn your trip to Vegas into a winner. The Off-Price Specialist Show is the premier tradeshow for off-price apparel, footwear, and accessories. Approximately 450 of the top apparel jobbers in the country offer all categories of apparel and accessories, from basics to fashion forward to designer goods, at price points up to 60% below wholesale. Over 10,000 buyers representing specialty stores, boutiques, regional chains, department and discount stores, and big box off-price chains from throughout the United States and abroad attend the February and August shows. A great opportunity to pick up quality merchandise for at-once delivery.

ASAP Global Sourcing Show

The top 5% full-package overseas apparel manufacturers showcase their production capabilities (sourcing, contract, manufacturing, outsourcing) to international buyers. Focused on overseas apparel sourcing, the show features hundreds of manufacturers of men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel, textiles, and leather from throughout the world. Match Making Sessions and Educational Seminars on U.S. Wholesale and Retail Buying are offered as well as information on selling to China and India, innovative financing, labeling, and quality assurance.

Global ECO Apparel Trade and Fashion Show

Held in conjunction with the ASAP Global Sourcing Show, ECO is an acronym for environmentally conscious and organic. The Show features exhibitors from around the world that support sustainable lifestyles, with the purpose of connecting green and conventional buyers with earth-friendly fashionable clothing designs, sustainable textiles, ECO products and green information.

Accessories The Show

A juried show featuring exhibitors carrying all categories of accessories. Primary attendees include better West Coast and international fashion retailers looking for new market resources, better nationally advertised brands, and key international collections.

CurveNV

A newcomer to the Las Vegas Fashion Market scene with its first show in February 2007, CurveNV is dedicated exclusively to designer/high-end intimate apparel. Over 100 brands are exhibited, including the best and latest offerings from U.S., Canadian, and European designers.

Kid Show Las Vegas

Approximately 250 booths offering children’s buyers from both large and small stores a full range of children’s apparel and accessories, including designer goods, from newborn to pre-teen in a broad price range

ISAM (International Swimwear/Activewear Market)

A non-profit association for swimwear manufacturers worldwide, ISAM is held in conjunction with WWD MAGIC. Attendees include both major and specialty store buyers from throughout the country who come to see the latest and most fashionable swimwear, beachwear, cover-ups, and beach accessories.

MAGIC

Founded in 1933, MAGIC is the largest and most comprehensive men’s apparel and accessories tradeshow in the U.S. Retail buyers from around the world attend MAGIC to visit exhibitors representing every major category in the men’s apparel industry, including designer, contemporary, casual, streetwear, active sporting wear, young men’s, and kids.

MAGIC Kids

Part of the MAGIC marketplace, MAGIC Kids exhibitors display apparel, accessories, footwear and gifts for the children’s wear industry. Attendees include mass, chain, department store, and specialty store buyers and decision makers viewing a wide range of products from infant to toddler to teen.

Moda Manhattan – Las Vegas

A new launch in Las Vegas, Moda Manhattan – Las Vegas will run in conjunction with Accessories The Show. The show features a refined show room environment with focused merchandising, creative visual displays, and personalized attention for buyers sourcing women’s apparel. Solidly entrenched in the New York market, Moda Manhattan provides a mix of juried better, bridge, and designer merchandise ranging from the elegant to activewear. Retail buyers include representatives from fine specialty stores, specialty chains, resorts, boutiques, catalogs, department stores, museum shops, duty free shops and e-commerce sites.

POOL

Held in conjunction with MAGIC Marketplace, POOL showcases emerging designers and features a range of apparel products—men’s, women’s, denim, tees, accessories and footwear—as well as lifestyle products ranging from art to music to home. Approximately 500 brands are displayed in the pavilion adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

WWIN (Women’s Wear in Nevada)

WWIN offers a full selection of apparel and accessories for women’s wear buyers, including traditional, contemporary, missy, petite, plus, and tall. Accessories lines include shoes, hats, purses, jewelry, belts, and scarves. Approximately 2,000 lines for viewing in a relaxed atmosphere.

POOLTRADESHOW is also a community of art and design driven brands creating industry connections for creative visionaries that offers a distinct intimate environment that is conducive to doing business. A non-intimidating ambiance allows POOL exhibitors the opportunity to stand out and develop their brand.

Selective, exclusive, focused and juried PROJECT now features Men’s, Women’s, Kids and Accessories.  PROJECT works toward creating a landscape that features legendary designers, of the moment brands and cutting edge new-comers.  It’s all about one stop shopping for our buyers, making sure that the premium contemporary lifestyle is “All under one roof.”  Sam Ben-Avraham, PROJECT’S Founder and President and owner of Atrium, one of New York City’s most legendary and innovative boutiques, uses his keen eye for trends and quality to personally select each participating brand show after show.