Can you provide a list of the biggest shows in the US for importers
showing their product to American buyers?  I'm not looking for fashion
shows, or branded apparel lines.  Instead, I'm looking for a show
where I can go to see stuff like the latest hats, sunwear and
sportswear from manufacturers around the US and the world from whom I
might want to buy 100s or 1,000s of items.

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Request for Question Clarification by easterangel-ga on 07 Oct 2002 21:49 PDT

Hi! Thanks for your question. Are you looking for trade shows? 

I have found different trade shows in the US but most of the
manufacturers participating are mainly also from the US. Furthermore;
it could not be known from their websites if these particular
exhibitors would sell you the volume of stocks you require. I presume
you will have to talk to each of them in the show and I know they will
gladly entertain you.

Will a list of these type of trade shows be enough to merit an
acceptable answer? Just let me know. :)

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Clarification of Question by reach-ga on 08 Oct 2002 06:25 PDT

Yes, I'm looking for trade shows--the kind held at places like the
Javitz convention center in NYC where thousands of exhibitors have
booths for a few days.  They don't have to be importers--domestic
producers are OK too.  But for the most part, the domestic companies
tend to be the apparel lines while most of the production is done
overseas.  I'm not looking for a brand--I'm looking for a company who
can produce instead.  If you can come up with a list of the trade
shows where the producers exhibit, and attendees are the apparel
lines, then I would find that to be an acceptable answer. Thanks!

Hi! Thanks for visiting us. 

It seems that one of the best and biggest trade shows in the apparel
and sportswear industry is “The Imprinted Sportswear Show”. Their
website has the scheduled trade shows for October 10 to 12, 2002 at
Fort Worth and their lineup of shows for 2003.

Imprinted Sportswear Show
http://www.issshows.com/ 

Action Sports Retailer -- trade shows for surf, skate, swim, resort,
inline and urban/streetwear products. Held in Long Beach (CA), San
Diego and Atlantic City.
http://www.asrbiz.com/actionsportsretailer/index.jsp 

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The next link provides schedules of different apparel trade shows. I
will just list the ones which are of interest to you but you may also
take a look at the other shows.

MEGA MARKET (DALLAS MARKET CENTER) Oct. 24 -28, 2002

The Los Angeles Fashion Week – Nov. 1 – 5, 2002

Source International Trade Show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York
– Jan. 12 – 14, 2003

Apparel Search – Calendar of Events
http://www.apparelsearch.com/calendar.htm#October%202002 

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AMERICASMART PREMIEREsm
The New International Show
for Juried Apparel Collectionssm
October 18-20, 2002
Exhibit Hall, Floor 5
http://www.americasmart.com/ 

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Fortunately after digging a little bit more, I was able to find shows
in the US which also showcases imported products.

YEAR 2003 CHINA TEXTILE & APPAREL TRADE SHOW (It is being advertised
as having millions of dollars in orders placed during previous shows.)
The Javits Convention Center, at 35th St and 11th Avenue in Manhattan.

“The LAS VEGAS INT'L. LINGERIE SHOW” meanwhile produced by Specialty
Trade Shows is now ongoing but will have another show on March 31st -
April 2nd, 2003.

Other shows from Specialty Trade Shows

The ORLANDO Int'l. Lingerie Show
January 19 – 21, 2003

WWIN - WomensWear In Nevada
February 17 - 20, 2003

The Show Dates are Tuesday June 3rd and Wednesday June 4th, 9:30AM -
5:30PM. and Thursday June 5th, 9:30AM-4:00 PM.
 
Before coming to the shows, I suggest that you call the producers in
case there are changes in the schedules.

Specialty Trade Shows. Inc.
3939 Hardee Road, Coconut Grove, FL 33133-6437
Voice: (305) 663-6635, Fax: (305) 661-8118
http://www.spectrade.com/ 

-----------     
The following resource provides a list of trade show producers for the
apparel industry and their contact numbers. It would be a good idea to
contact them for schedules of their shows to get a more comprehensive
and updated coverage.

APPAREL TRADE SHOWS AND MEETINGS
AMERICAN APPAREL PRODUCERS' NETWORK
http://www.usawear.org/market/tradeshow.htm 

Search terms used: 
“trade shows” sportswear apparel

I hope these links would help you in your business. Before rating this
answer, please ask for a clarification if you have a question or if
you would need further information.

Thanks for visiting us at Google Answers. Good luck on your endeavors.

Regards,
Easterangel-ga

Nice research, and it was good of the researcher to clarify the
question before answering.  I will use the service again.

There are a few very large general apparel shows. MAGIC in Las Vegas
in February and August has thousands of lines of men's, women's and
kids clothing. Other shows in New York specialize in the women's
market. There are shows for outdoors  and sports clothing, better
upscale clothing, shows for closeouts etc. If you are more specific,
I'll try to help you.

MAGIC sure is a big show to consider.  Would be interested in any
quick responses for other shows for serious sportswear.