SPONSORED: THE MEN’S EDIT AT WWIN WILL BE THE PLACE TO SHOP

Over the past decade, the menswear trade show landscape has undergone drastic changes throughout the country. Cities such as Dallas and Chicago have emerged as go-to destinations, while other cities have become more focused on showroom visits and smaller, more specialized shows. These seismic changes have been felt strongly in Las Vegas, which has become less prominent during the past few years. 

However, Nevada’s biggest city is still a thriving market, thanks in large part to the number of West Coast retailers who prefer to do their buying closer to home. That’s just one reason the popular women’s trade show, WWIN (Womenswear in Nevada) has added the Men’s Edit, which will take place at the Expo at World Market Center from February 9 through February 12 alongside the WWIN (Womenswear in Nevada) and LVA (Las Vegas Apparel) show. 

“WWIN has been a successful show in the modern women’s apparel space for over 25 years, and now that retailers are buying across more verticals than ever before, the Men’s Edit will be successful addition to the fashion ecosystem we have cultivated in Las Vegas,” says Melissa Montes, vice president at WWIN. “We have found that many retailers – including big-box stores and specialty stores, many of whom already attend WWIN – as well as major menswear vendors are really excited about there being a new menswear show in Las Vegas.”  

As with WWIN, the Men’s Edit will have a very customer-service approach, with its primary goal being to create a comfortable environment conducive to order-writing. “This is not a show about Instagrammable moments; it’s about buying,” she notes. “One reason we’re starting on February 9, which is a day earlier than many of the other Las Vegas trade shows, is that we discovered both vendors and retailers find having that early shopping day to be a big bonus.” 

The Men’s Edit will showcase over 80 brands familiar to retailers, including such popular companies as Luciano Visconti, Tiglio Inc, Christopher Lena, Stacy Adams Group, and Novara Fashions. “Our focus is primarily on tailored and fashion-forward suiting, but we also have a wide range of outerwear, footwear and accessories brands in order to give retailers a complete experience,” says Montes. “We have created a true fashion ecosystem, where everything is very curated and very navigable.”

While vendors still need to bring their samples and make their own appointments, the organizers of the Men’s Edit are determined to play matchmaker when necessary. “We want to make sure that you connect with the retailers at the show who are most meaningful to your business,” says Montes. “In fact, we want you to be so busy that if you – or the retailer at your table — don’t have time to get a meal or a cup of coffee, we will stop by and do it for you. The kind of white glove service WWIN has always been known for is what really drives the value of this show.” 

Retailers will enjoy a variety of perks, adds Montes. “We host VIP buyers, offer extended shopping times with a happy hour, offer shuttles, as well as offer complementary LYFT codes to retailers who need them. Plus, parking is always free at the Expo at Market Center,” she says. “We know Las Vegas has become an expensive place to do business, so we are trying to make things as easy and economical as possible for buyers who come to the event.” 

To shape this new experience, The Men’s Edit is guided by an advisory board of industry leaders who are actively influencing the event’s vision. Their combined expertise and industry knowledge ensures the show will resonate with the evolving needs of today’s buyers and will be able to survive for many years. 

“We will constantly be looking at the menswear market and trying to ride the wave,” says Montes. “The challenge now is to be proactive yet strategically reactive. Things change so quickly in today’s fashion market that you need to be ready to pivot at any moment.”