Dallas Market Center posts high attendance for August shows

Show organizers report new buyer growth and attendance gains in every region since 2022.

Dallas Market Center’s concurrent August markets — Apparel & Accessories, KidsWorld, American Equestrian Trade Association and Western & English Sales Association (WESA) — delivered their best combined attendance in five years. The shows, which took place Aug. 18-21, all experienced year-over-year growth and a surge from international attendees.

“Our market is where top retailers from coast to coast are choosing to do business,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Four markets under one roof, all hitting new highs in the same week. That’s buyers and exhibitors telling us that Dallas is where they can get more done and get inspired.”

For the August Apparel & Accessories Market, attendance climbed steadily, posting its best new-company count in years. Dallas Market Center reported that KidsWorld also turned in strong performance, with retailer attendance up roughly 40% year over year.

“A hundred small conversations added up to something real by the end of the fourth day,” said Navneet Singh, founder of leather bag brand Hyna. “Every person I spoke with treated a first-time exhibitor from India like he already belonged here.”

The 10th floor of the World Trade Center added a wave of new and expanded permanent showrooms ahead of the August markets. Recognizable names included Wrangler Footwear, Pendleton Woolen Mills, Carhartt Footwear, Red Wing Shoe Company, Ferrell and Old Gringo Boots. Ahead of market, Dallas Market Center also rolled out its first footwear instructional video to help retailers add the category to their stores.

KidsWorld will return to Dallas Market Center Sept. 15-17, running concurrently with the Gift & Home Market happening Sept. 15-16. Apparel & Accessories Market will return Oct. 20-23.