Men’s better market week off to a mixed start

Market week got off to an uneven start over the weekend with lots of party activity but fewer appointments than usual reported by vendors at the NY Haberdashery Show at the Warwick Hotel at the Project Show at the Javits Center. Some speculated that is may have been due to the later than usual start of The Collective and Blue shows, which both open today, while others attribute it to generally sluggish business.

Jeans retailers attending Project seemed to be in the middle of a new and unwelcome situation, as the premium denim phenomenon of the last several seasons has reportedly slowed markedly. Most did not want to be quoted about current business conditions. However, one multiple store owner commented off the record that his men’s business was quite strong, but could not even come close to offsetting the decline in women’s jeans sales.

The Project show, at the Javits Convention Center, was a very manageable size with around 300 lines represented. Project head Sam Ben Avraham noted that many lines are just not ready this early and look to the Las Vegas show as their major effort. Most retailers and vendors commented that it was easier to do business in the less cramped atmosphere of the Javits than at other recent venues for the show.

Early reports from The Collective and Blue shows at piers 92 and 94 were that traffic was strong, confirming the possibility that retailers took the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weekend weather before heading into NY. Check out the party photos from events through Sunday in Schmoozing

Also, Karen Alberg’s observations from this week’s retirement parties for John Haller of Robert Talbott and Bob Sockolov of Rochester Big & Tall.

Nicola Harrison blogs about last night’s party scene including Lilly Pulitzer, Victorinox and the Chris Isaak concert sponsored by Hart Schaffner Marx. Click here to see her comments.