The first ASR Holiday trade show was marked with intense buying, balanced out by a relaxed, waterfront environment. On May 31 and June 1, action sports industry leaders from around the world met in Newport Beach, CA to preview holiday lines and write orders with over 100 of the hottest emerging and established brands. Both retailers and manufacturers were relieved to complete a months worth of buying for the important holiday season in 2 efficient days, all within one pavilion.
“The strength of buyers present and overwhelming support from the brands made ASR Holidays debut a success,” says Andy Tompkins, ASR Show Director. “Reps were fully booked, lines were previewed and orders written. The work of the season was done, effectively in a mellow environment-we couldnt have asked for a better first show!”
One of Hawaiis most influential retailers, Hawaiian Island Creations, joined retailers from around the US and world in doing their holiday buying at ASR. “We were able to talk to sales managers and directors in detail about the business, trends and lines,” says Dony Sato, the Mens Buyer for HIC, who appreciated the intimate environment of ASR Holiday. Buyers made a point of flying into ASR Holiday from Canada, Austria, the UK, Brazil, and Israel.
Many of the buyers on the floor were writing paper for multiple storefronts, adding to the magnitude of buying power at ASR Holiday. Strong attendance on the floor included the whos who of Southern Californias retailers such as Jacks, Sun Diego, Beckers, K-5, Hanger 94, Pac Sun, Beach Bums and more. Many exhibitors were booked solid throughout the show. “Were really focusing on key retailers and core shops and were excited to see so many of them at the show. Exhibiting at ASR Holiday was very effective for us,” says Scott Viscomi, Sales Manager for Cult.
The combination of key brands under one roof, a convenient location and having lunch served onsite allowed buyers to make the most of the 2-day show. David Hollander, President of Beckers, booked 5 appointments each day, and still had time to view new lines, “It was easy to sit at a table, see the lines, and write orders. We saw the lines in one shot, instead of over a couple week period, saving lots of time.”
Buzz swirled around new brands, such as Atwater and Factor 54, and the overall release of the holiday 2006 lines. Vestals release of a Shepard Fairey inspired watch and sophisticated outerwear concepts also generated talk. Todd Miller, co-founder of Factor 54 was thrilled with the brands launch at ASR, “The show was great for us! We made so many new contacts.”
