WHY ATTENDING FASHION SHOWS CAN MAKE YOU A BETTER BOUTIQUE OWNER

A fashion show is a gathering of various designers, vendors, and wholesalers for a grand event. It usually involves a runway presentation. Aside from that, there are also trunk shows and conferences held in hotel conference rooms that do not require a runway. These events are similar to expos.

To provide context, a trunk show entails vendors offering a limited stock of goods that can be bought by attendees. This is called a "trunk" show because, traditionally, merchandise was transported in a trunk. During fashion shows, designers will exhibit their newest lines, and guests may see pieces that have not yet hit the market. Merchandise displayed at these events is typically sold at wholesale cost.

Fashion shows may also attract vendors unrelated to fashion, such as wine or champagne companies. The advertising and networking that occurs during the show enables full involvement from all members of the community. Furthermore, each vendor will advertise the event through their social media accounts as well as word-of-mouth.

FASHION SHOW MALL

Situated on the Las Vegas Strip, the Fashion Show Mall opened its doors in 1981 and is roughly 3600 feet southwest of the Cesar's Palace. Visitors can shop at several popular stores like Anthropologie, Tiffany and Co., and Nieman Marcus in this shopping mall.

The shopping center stands apart from other ones in the nation as it boasts a moveable catwalk situated at its core. Moreover, it regularly features complimentary runway presentations. The displays occur from Friday to Sunday between twelve o'clock in the afternoon and five o'clock in the evening, showcasing diverse fashion items available for sale at the mall.

Fashion Show Mall has adopted a "first to market" strategy since at least 2010, possibly even earlier due to its long-standing reputation. Essentially, this means that it serves as a platform for new brands to make their Las Vegas debut. This approach is advantageous because Las Vegas has a substantial population of locals and is a popular tourist destination, which means that your brand could catch the attention of unexpected individuals at any given time.

An improved scenario would be locating your retail store in this mall where your brand can be showcased in the fashion shows held every week. Just think about achieving your dream of having a retail store there, and suddenly, someone (or some people) notice your brand and take it to the heights of success you always desired.

HOW THIS BENEFITS YOU

What does all of this discussion about fashion shows and malls have to do with you? It's important to be aware of upcoming fashion events if you plan on attending them. However, even if you cannot attend, it may be worthwhile to send your products with someone who is attending. You can then negotiate a deal where they showcase your products and you offer them a percentage of the sales or perhaps some free outfits. This is just a suggestion to consider!

Let me deviate from the topic. It is commonly mentioned at different places that having a community is beneficial. Having more people to support one another is stronger and cannot be easily defeated. This notion also applies to the fashion industry. As mentioned earlier, prosperous businesses need assistance from others. We are not meant to go through life (or business) by ourselves.

In the contemporary world, utilizing digital marketing has various advantages due to the prevalence of technology. With the majority of individuals frequently sharing on social media, browsing the internet, and possessing an email account, online marketing provides extensive reach. Furthermore, collaborating with other professionals in your field can significantly broaden that reach. It's crucial to perceive networking with fashion industry peers not as a rival, but as a vital aspect of professional development, akin to having a mentor who supports career growth.

Attending fashion shows can offer you a chance to network with vendors, other boutiques, mentors, and wholesale opportunities. Moreover, some influential people in the fashion industry have grown their businesses by connecting through these events.

THE TAKEAWAY

As a boutique owner, what can you learn or gain from all the discussions about fashion shows?

Connect with others! Fully involve yourself in the fashion community surrounding you, whether it is at a local, national, or global level. There is room in the market for everyone. It's advantageous to work together and network by exchanging contact information at fashion-related gatherings like trunk shows, fashion shows, and the Fashion Mall in Las Vegas.

In order to succeed in the fashion industry, it is important to explore new strategies. What may have been successful in the past may not be effective in the present, and what works for one boutique may not work for another. Each brand has a unique style and target audience to cater to. Therefore, it is crucial to seek inspiration from the fashion community and customize it to fit your own business.

In conclusion, it is important to not decline any chance that comes your way. This connects to being open to new experiences. You cannot predict when a chance might be the opening you have been seeking in your profession. Regardless of the scale or age of your business, embrace the opportunities that come your way.

Every opportunity presents a learning experience that will guide you towards your desired destination. You are guaranteed to gain new knowledge from each option, ultimately leading you to where you need to be.

To illustrate, Amy Hilton Designs received a major opportunity after catching the attention of a nearby resort through online means. Despite lacking experience, the designer agreed to participate in a trunk show. This daring decision resulted in a wholesale partnership with the resort, as well as a devoted following of notable and powerful customers.

LET'S NETWORK!

I wish that my words inspire and motivate you, but please be aware that your business may not see immediate success. Do not rush, as great things take time. Take your time to form relationships and explore new opportunities and the success will eventually come. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at Buy Wholesale Clothing!