In a developing story, reports say wedding industry organizations are looking to the east and the rich resources inherent to the New York area. The fashion and cultural capital of the world could become the Mecca of wedding professionals in the coming years, as growing opportunities and incentives make the area more affordable.
eWedNews is monitoring several scenarios that say they’re looking to set roots in the New York area, as fragmentation and opportunities to strengthen positions present themselves. Organizations that are strong in the Chicago market are already making a play, as other organizations that are prevalent on the west coast also see opportunities.
Oversaturation in other markets are said to also be factors in the decision to come east. Sources familiar with the story say, “People are not willing to travel too far outside their own areas anymore. Most just go to the Internet for their information and can’t justify the expense of travel. However, if (wedding) trade events are within driving distance, some will take a day and get out of their stores and attend,” it is felt. Other sources feel that larger buyers will continue to travel but add expenses continue to be cut. “Instead of staying three or four days, company representatives are being asked to form agendas and get the job done in half the time,” said one source.
In a Press Release last October, MMPI, one of the largest trade and consumer show producers in North America, said they will launch the New York International Bridal Week, Oct. 16-19, 2010. This inaugural show will be held at Pier 94 on the City’s west side. This new show will provide a critical mass of the leading lines in the industry in one comprehensive, easy-to-shop location.
The New York International Bridal Week will unify an otherwise fragmented NY marketplace by bringing together designers and manufacturers in one location. The show will feature leading American and European designer collections as well as the marquee lines that are the foundation of fine bridal retailers everywhere. “We plan to restore the luster and glamour that the New York Market warrants,” said Susan McCullough, senior vice president of apparel for MMPI. “By bringing the premier designers and manufacturers together in a single location we can vastly improve the market for retailers and for the press by making it much more user friendly. Time is an important commodity and it can be much better utilized if the industry is consolidated in one venue rather than 20 different ones.”
Carley Roney of the Knot made an unscheduled appearance at a local New York event last week after getting canned from the Chicago market show earlier in the week for reportedly pitching the Knot's show in New York. Carley didn’t respond to our request for her side of the story.
For more information regarding shows in the New York area please contact us at 516-312-0090 or Paul@ewednews.com
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2010
Posted on 03/31/2010
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