The WSA Show's July seminar series was second to none,
offering 11 individual seminars and four workshops featuring the best
assortment of speakers in the industry including Marshal Cohen (NPD Group), Mercedes
Gonzales (Global Purchasing Group), Ellen Campuzano (Fashion FACTS Folio), and
others.
Another unique facet of the show was the incredibly well-received
Style Walk Lounge. The fun, inviting space, sponsored by American Express OPEN, entertained attendees with five live fashion presentations per day, expert
commentary from TV personalities Lawrence Zarian ("Live with Regis and
Kelly" and "Extra") and Monica Jackson (Las Vegas' "Fox5
News Live"), and upbeat music from the Playboy Mansion's resident DJ - DJ
Crash. The Style Walk Lounge provided an exciting space with front-and-center
exposure for a variety of new and undiscovered labels including Aetrex, Clarks,
Blossom Collection, Nina, Grendha, Joan & David, Prima Royale, Lishan
International, Florsheim, Toms Shoes, Wanted Groove/VYBE, Koolaburra, Report,
Mia Shoes, YOU by Crocs, Ed Hardy, DiKuza and Tara Crystalle.
"Despite the economic challenges at the moment, at the
end of the day it's all about the product," added Stone. "When
editors came to talk to me during the show, I asked them what they thought of
the product offerings and many told me they saw excitement. I strongly encouraged
them to write about it because that's what retailers need so they can excite
customers who will buy things that are new things they don't have. We are part
of an industry that's great at innovation and creativity and the most exciting
brands and retailers will make their way through these turbulent times.
Everyone who mattered gathered in Las Vegas and I am confident that this
industry's energy charged them up. We had numerous exhibitors who had a terrific
show due in large part to their outstanding product offerings."
The WSA Show is gearing up for the next marketplace, which will take place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and the Sands Expo Center February 12 -14, 2009. The Collections at WSA, making its debut in a 3-day
format in February '09, will continue to be held in the suites at The Venetian.
About The WSA Show
The WSA Show is the world's largest and most comprehensive footwear, handbags, and accessories marketplace, offering a 360-degree viewpoint of
the footwear industry. The twice-yearly event in Las Vegas attracts more than 37,000
participants from 95 countries in 2.1 million square feet of space. The
Collections at WSA, an exclusive premium footwear and fashion jewelry show
within The WSA Show, features 350 luxury footwear, handbag and jewelry designers
from around the globe in an exclusive upscale setting. Materials at WSA, which
launched in Las Vegas in February 2008 alongside The WSA Show, further expands
the breadth of this industry marketplace to include the supply chain by focusing
on materials, design, components, technology and sourcing alongside the
finished product, becoming easily accessible to brand and retail leaders. For
more details, please visit www.wsashow.com.
