Organizers, exhibitors and buyers pulled positively together at Londonedge and Londoncentral this month, resulting in a very successful Autumn show even in the face of adversity in the retail market.  

Londonedge has become renowned for its community feel and never before has this been as evident as September's show which took place in the midst of economic uncertainty.

Managing director Carole Hunter said:
I think everyone is understandably nervous about the state of the market at the moment but, as always, we all pulled together and the mood at the show was overwhelmingly positive.

We recorded increased figures from overseas buyers and, as buyers were marginally down from the UK , this meant that the numbers on the gate were almost exactly the same as last year. Our top 5 attending countries this season were Germany , Italy , France , Holland and Spain .

Feedback from exhibitors showed an understanding that at this difficult time, we must adopt sharp business models but overall, we must keep a positive attitude to get the most out of the next twelve months. This, to Londonedge and Londoncentral exhibitors and buyers, means sticking together and working through the tougher times.

As ever, the entire team let loose at the show party and enjoyed show entertainment from African acrobats, snake dancers and contortionists. Exhibitors made a wonderful effort with their stands and, those that were chosen this season were rewarded with prizes.

I think the message we can take from Londonedge this season is that our alternative and streetwear exhibitors are hardy, and still very much in demand in the current market. Added to this is the fact that these shows are ones which are established and known to be effective for order-writing as well as for attracting overseas business. These factors along with an absolute commitment to nurturing small companies, allowing each & every exhibitor and buyer a voice and generally giving a damn means Londonedge & Londoncentral continue to be strong. It's like a big, alternative co-op!
concludes Hunter.

The next Londonedge and Londoncentral (10^TH BIRTHDAY SHOW) will take place from 1st-3rd February 2009 at Olympia 2, London , W14. For further information please contact +44 (0) 1162 898 249 or info@londonedge.com. Visit www.londonedge.com.

Here is some of what the exhibitors had to say...

"Never, In 15 years of exhibiting at fashion shows have I exhibited at a show where we have written so many orders that we have run out of order pads and have had to have more sent from the office by courier."

Nick Jackson, Jackson Distribution / Iron Fist

2 years ago Bantum launched at Londonedge. We weren't really ready, it was hard not taking an order at the show, but we were given mucho advice from established boys at Iron Fist and Sara at Dizzy Daisies. The Edge crew came round to check that we were cool and schooled Drapers Magazine to us
looking back, if we hadn't had that support we could have easily have jacked it in and turned to crack!

In 2008 we came back to Londonedge proud, with a better prepared stand and a tighter collection. We nailed 4 new accounts at the show and are confident we will secure more on the follow up.  Big Bantum love to the buyers that stopped by to take a gander and print themselves a Bantum-edge tee, all the sick labels surrounding us for the jokes and of course the Edge crew for really giving a f**k in this grimey fashion world and creating a stupidly fun diverse feel, attracting a selection of national and international buyers (not to mention wicked after party where I'm sure we got back our stand fee at the free bar).

Simeon, Bantum

We were really happy with the response we had at Londoncentral and buyers from all over the world wanted to know the story behind the company and several placed orders with us. The funny thing was first order was from a company based in Oasis Market in our hometown of Birmingham !

Lee Blake, 50Fifty
 

LONDONEDGE PROVIDES HAVEN FOR ALTERNATIVE FASHIONISTAS Fashion Event Article Posted August 13, 2008