New direction for WSA show
25/11/2008
Starting with its upcoming February 2009 event in Las Vegas, the WSA Show will introduce a new look and layout designed to promote ease of access to fresh product trends in all categories of the footwear industry. The organisers say these changes will enable all attendees to maximise their time and easily “shop the show”.
“From a new look and feel, to a merchandising plan and signage that is easy for buyers to shop, to lounges for networking and internet access, ease and clarity to get business done is guiding our decisions,” said Diane Stone, chief operating officer of the event. “Today, it is more important than ever for buyers to come to one place where they can experience all the trends and see more product in less time, and this is the environment they will experience in February in Las Vegas.”
The major changes will include new product categories, smaller booths on main aisles, a redesigned floor layout and bold signage for easier navigation, lounges with rest areas and internet access in key locations throughout the show.
There will, for example, be a new Fashion Active area, featuring athletic and junior contemporary product related to skate and street trends, featuring brands such as Skechers, K-Swiss, Ed Hardy, and more.
WSA’s highly successful ‘The Box’ will expand for February, focusing on the biggest trends and boldest looks in footwear and handbags for next season. The Box has a boutique-style environment, hip music spun by a resident DJ and daily beverage service, while buyers shop brands whose presence there has to win the approval of a jury. This time around, brands to secure a place in 'The Box’ include Velvet Angels, Boutique 9, Jessica Simpson, United Nude, Tracy Reese, Gwyneth, Miss Sixty, Dulce, Lodis, Gogo Gear, and more.
Materials at WSA, which rounds out The WSA Show’s comprehensive marketplace, and services the supply chain needs of manufacturers and retailers, will draw attendees to a convenient central location set prominently on the second floor of the Sands Expo Center. Materials at WSA brings together an assortment of the most innovative materials suppliers from around the globe. The show will align suppliers in front of the most important buyers and decision makers from the world’s greatest footwear, handbag and accessories companies.
The Collections at WSA will also present an environment to reflect what motivates buyers to work productively, the organisers have said, taking into consideration visual stimulants to create an up-to-the-minute design statement for the show. The Collections at WSA will feature a new concise three-day format, a complete redesign and new location. This chic dedicated space for retailers to discover modern, edgy styles in the ‘athleisure’, euro trend men’s and women’s arena will move from the 7th floor of the Venetian, to an easier to navigate and more intimate environment in the Bellini Ballroom.
Fifty top footwear brands will feature, including Auri, Bacco Bucci, Camper, Diesel, DETNY by Shane&Shawn, Fly London, Hudson, Hunter Boots, and Ryan Rowe.
The popular Glass Slipper Awards will move to the trendy new hot spot, Sushi Samba at the Palazzo.
“We strive to present a show that allows retailers to make the most of their shopping experience,” says Leslie Gallin, director, The Collections at WSA. “We know we have all the right brands, and we want to enhance the buying experience by creating an environment that inspires buyers to think in new directions.”
Over 200 footwear, handbag, and jewelry exhibitors have already signed on for The Collections at WSA, including Donald J Pliner, Stuart Weitzman, Vera Wang Lavender, Luciano Padovan, Maloles, Kaia Peterka handbags, and Nugaard Designs jewelry.
The WSA Show will take place in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and the Sands Expo Center from February 12–14. The Collections at WSA will run alongside The WSA Show in its new, three-day format February 12–14 at the Venetian Hotel.
Share this story:
