Debut Nearshoring America Expo Wraps Up

The first-ever Nearshoring America Expo is now history and attendees reported good initial steps in setting up new business relationships.

It was the first trade show of its kind ever, a hands-on event designed to connect importers, wholesalers and retailers in the U.S. apparel, fashion accessories and gift and home furnishings sectors with suppliers and manufacturers in Latin America. Taking up the entire Trade Mart atrium of the Dallas Market Center, the Expo attracted a cross-section of buyers and sellers.

Attendees included representatives from such retailers as Target, At Home, Magnolia Home and Weirs Furniture. Brands attending included TAG, Justin, Lee Lighting, Ivystone and Hallmark.

Responses from those who attended were generally positive, though some would like to see the show expanded to include more exhibitors and Latin American manufacturers. Show organizers, in a post-event report, said “Nearly half, or about 40 percent, of attendees met vendors they are likely to pursue business with. This indicates that a significant portion of attendees found value in the event.”

That survey provided a cross-section of comments from attendees. “I attended and from apparel and accessories to leather goods, from gift items and home furnishings to lighting and décor, there are so many options for doing business with Latin America,” said Samantha Connor of The Boutique Club. “I was impressed with the end-to-end manufacturing services and solutions available, so close to home. Looking forward to following up with all the connections made at the expo.”

“This was a great experience for me,” said a representative for one exhibitor, Custom Art House, adding, however “I could have prepared myself better for the Expo.  I did not really know what to expect when I arrived. Based on what I see looking into the showrooms and talking to attendees, the product I brought was not what these buyers really wanted to see. I will need to change my approach.”

Preparations are already in the works for the next Expo with “lessons learned” from last year’s initial event.