CHICAGO COLLECTIVE FACES TOUGH DECISIONS
In the midst of some very mixed opinions about the validity and safety of in-person trade shows, MR catches up with Bruce Schedler, director of the Chicago Collective, to talk about what was, is, and will be.
Q: You’ve received both praise and pressure for canceling two major menswear shows this past year – August for spring ‘21 fashion and February for fall ‘21. How are you feeling personally about this past year?
A: It’s been very tough! I talk to so many people and hear so many challenges retailers and brands continue to confront: both personal and business issues. It seems that during a pandemic, life’s tragedies accelerate whereas joy and celebrations decelerate. And the isolation makes everything so much harder! I also know how many brands have depended on our show as their major selling vehicle so I feel terrible that we weren’t there for them this past year. On the other hand, I’m proud that The Mart puts safety above all else.
Q: So, are your plans confirmed. Will there be a summer show in Chicago for spring ‘22 menswear?
A: Yes, we’re confirmed for the second week in August: the 8th, 9th, and 10th. We thought our timing was great because it’s late enough in the season so that most Americans will be vaccinated and travel will have opened up. Unfortunately, shows in Charlotte and Las Vegas are also on those dates.
Q: I assume safety will be your priority: what changes are you making from your traditional show set-up?
A: Safety is always a priority. We’re not yet committed to anything definite as far as the floor layout is concerned, but there might be changes in aisle width to enable better distancing and we will of course also follow all pandemic safety guidelines. It’s a big step toward normalcy and people on both sides of the table are just so excited to be seeing each other, in-person rather than on Zoom!
Q: Are you worried about the growing interest in small regional shows? There are those who feel that smaller is both safer and friendlier.
A: We’re probably most known for our camaraderie and friendliness! Of course, there will be some polarization regionally but there still has to be a major market. What’s more, we’re not trying to be all things to everyone. Over the past few years, we’ve become the show for better menswear and that continues to be our focus. We’ve nurtured a much greater participation from Italian makers, great brands like Boglioli, Eleventy, and Ravazzolo as well as smaller companies with fabulous product and limited distribution. Our strategy is to continue to upgrade and better specialty stores from across North America are clearly responding.
Q: How will you accommodate this anticipated growth when you’ve been sold out your past few shows? Will you add space on another floor?
A: If we have to expand aisle space for instance, then we might have to downsize booths for many exhibitors. But, as I said, the Mart has been extremely supportive and we are also looking at other options to expand the show in the building. We’ve always said we’re not looking to be a huge show, we want to be a great show. Fortunately, the demand appears still there.
Q: I understand that several of the shows this month had trouble enforcing mandatory mask policies.
A: We won’t tolerate anyone not wearing masks. The Mart has been unbelievable: safety is everything and they’re taking tremendous care to do it right. We will of course adhere to state and city protocol. But remember that The Mart has other shows with much bigger attendance than the Chicago Collective: a couple of them host tens of thousands of visitors! So we will easily apply those protocols to the Collective.
Q: What about your big opening night outdoor party, always the highlight of the Chicago Collective?
A: Once again, we don’t know yet. The park in front of the Mart has been completely redone and expanded with more seating and more greenery, but we can’t confirm the event until we get a bit closer. We intend to have it on Sunday night but we have to be flexible and have a plan ‘B.’
That said, I’m optimistic that the industry will come together in a wonderful way, whatever changes need to be made to ensure safety. We have a core group of the finest retailers in North America who are looking forward to returning this summer and we continue to have incredible support from our exhibitors. They’re all eager to get in front of their top retailers, renew friendships and show beautiful product. That’s what it’s about, and that’s what will happen successfully and safely if we all work together.
Like the gem he is. a thoughtful, smart polished conversation with Karen, Two of the best people in the industry that have helped so many attain success. See you in 22.
Thank you Bruce for everything you have done for us!
Stay safe.
Best shows in the Country!
Chicago show has always been a well thought out show. Bruce & his staff sweat the details and have made it one of the best shows our industry has to offer. Bruce’s approach to this unprecedented time is yet another sign of that. Safety & making sure the show his team and he have built remains a beacon. The sun will rise again & in the meantime may we all remain safe & if you have never attended this show, it would be the perfect time to do so…Bruce will hook you up!!
We love attending the Chicago Show! Looking forward to the next show.
My money’s on Sheddy..!!! $$$$
Love the Chicago show!
Thank You Bruce for putting everyone’s safety first and foremost. You will be lauded for some time to come. Have it on my calendar!
Bruce, I have great confidence that you will start from where you left off with the same success. We look forward to being there. All the best! Joe Bell / Empire Clothing
its the LOVE we all need thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!
If not for the two of you, Karen and Bruce, there are many of us vendors who would not be here! Thank you!
Cannot wait to see your faces!! xxo
If anyone can pull off a SAFE and SUCCESSFUL show it’s BRUCE.
Bruce is a true professional.
He will figure a way to get it done.
Always a great show….
Bruce has created the premier specialty store show in the country. I don’t care how many other trade shows are on that date, I will be at the Chicago Collective. Being in Illinois he had zero chance of holding either of the last two shows. Cannot wait for August.
Bruce and his team have worked hard to develop and curate the best menswear quality show in America.
We are all looking forward to supporting him and bringing back The Chicago Collective in August.
It is also so commendable that the ownership has supported the entire staff while sincerely being concerned for all of our safety.
Our thanks to Bruce and his entire staff, see you in August
Gary Wasserman, Left Coast Tee
The Chicago Collective is the finest menswear show in the country thanks to Bruce.
I have no doubt he will do it the right way …. he always does.
I can’t wait. Bruce has done an exceptional job of pulling the best vendors together for the retailers.
Loved the interview between Karen and Bruce.
Safety first is the most important precaution for everyone.
I hope we can have a party at the Chicago Collective to celebrate this event.
To better days.
I have been chatting with a number of Italian manufacturers and I can say that they look at Chicago favorably: the show lately has been attracting higher-end retailers, which in turns fits their needs.
By August the vaccinations will hopefully be widespread on both sides of the Atlantic, allowing for easier travel of the Italian contingent across the border and able to reconnect to their beloved American market.
Chicago is an amazing show! Top shelf leadership, presentation, brands and customers. My team and I have been out doing regional shows and taking precautions. It is clearly up to each person and their comfort level. I applaud Bruce for making the decisions he did and am confident he will ensure our safety. All of us have to be accountable for protecting ourselves also.
Chicago may be the start of the Roaring 20’s!
Let’s all hope so!
I’m in!!!!
Kudo’s to the Mart for their support of Bruce and his Staff, because they know that no one in the Men’s Trade Show Industry, has the established relationships with both sides of the table, as Bruce does! I have seen when Bruce has been confronted with unbelievable requests from Vendors or Retailers, and somehow everyone walks away happy. Keep it going, Bruce……you are the BEST!
If Dallas can do it now twice, and it was fine, so can Chicago. Bruce always does a A+ job.
I have been to plenty of clothing shows in my 40 year career. Just my luck I got in touch with Bruce Schedler , game changer! Global scale of vendors,sales reps and management of brands. The Chicago Collective brings not only a heart but sharp minds to breathe fresh air to an old school industry. My compliments to Bruce and his valued team. You can leave all the glitter and lights and explore a show that will inspire you as a buyer.