Menswear Buyers Upbeat Ahead Of Trade Show Season

Menswear brands and buyers are feeling upbeat about the spring 19 season, and independents are keeping their budgets in line with last year, despite tough market conditions on the high street. The spring 19 trade show season kicks off on 12 June at Florence exhibition Pitti Uomo. Menswear sources have told Drapers they are keeping more budget in-season to react to the weather and are generally feeling optimistic about the season ahead. “I’m feeling confident. It’s an exciting time out there,” said Ryan Chandler, co‐owner of Meet Bernard in Greenwich, south-east London. “We sell a lot of British brands, such as Folk, YMC and PS Paul Smith, and we’re absolutely smashing it. For spring 19, we’re not extending budgets but we’re holding back about 20% to buy more in season. Year on year our figures are getting better and better. People are returning to independents for great customer service and treatment, and we are seeing that in the tills.” Darren Hoggett, co‐owner of J&B Menswear in Norwich, is also upbeat following a solid spring last year: “Budgets will be roughly the same and we won’t be going too mad on forward booking – we traditionally play a longer season. This year, we’re really pleased with how things have gone considering the current climate.” Read more at Draper’s.