Boston Collective Moves, Expands

NEW YORK – The Boston Collective is moving to larger quarters and opening its doors to women’s apparel.

The next Boston Collective show will be held March 4 to 6 at the Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington, Mass., providing it with 30,000 square feet of space plus an additional 10,000 square feet through later expansion. The market had previously been held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in nearby Boxborough, Mass.

Jim Knight, a principal of The Northeast Men’s Apparel Group LLC, which operates the show, said that the larger format also will enable the admission of women’s wear lines and stores.

“Ladies’ stores consistently feature areas for men’s apparel which, if targeted, offer a significant opportunity for men’s vendors,” said Knight. “Given that there are twice the number of women’s stores than men’s, it is only a natural evolution to include women’s retailers and exhibitors into the Boston Collective trade show matrix.

“The ladies’ trade shows that exist in New England have waiting lists and a cost structure much higher than ours,” he added.

The relocated, restructured show currently has 350 lines signed up to exhibit in March. The show targets retailers in New York and New England.

In another move, the trade show producer is moving its Fall 2007 Connecticut Menswear Show to the Marriott Rocky Hill in Rocky Hill, Conn. Show dates are Feb. 4 to 6.

Knight and Phil Lewis co-founded The Northeast Men’s Apparel Group 12 years ago.

Those seeking further information can contact Knight at 860-228-0051 or visit the group’s web site at www.bostoncollective.com.