Developed and managed by Associated Independent Stores, the INDX Fashion shows so far this year have been a hit for our members, suppliers and more specifically, the press.
It's been a busy start to the year for our Fashion teams. First kicking off with INDX Kids at the end of January, to back to back INDX Woman and Man shows, and finally Intimate Apparel. Our INDX Shows have always been the go-to platform for designers, buyers and fashion enthusiasts to revel in a unique and unforgettable experience.
But it's not just about the clothes, our shows are also about building relationships with our all important suppliers and members.
INDX is redefining how a fashion show should be and with their dedication to inclusivity and diversity, INDX is leading the way by championing designers from all backgrounds and celebrating the beauty of diversity on the cat walk.
Read on to see what our members had to say about our recent INDX Fashion shows, with links to show reviews and articles in the press.
Buoyant and upbeat winter show for INDX Kids
Cementing its title as the UK’s national childrenswear trade show, the two-day event played host to both UK and international brands, offering a mix of established labels, emerging talent, key returns and show debuts.
Here's what was said about the first Fashion show of the quarter:
“I received lots of orders from both existing and new stockists, which I am so excited about. I also had conversations about lots of interesting business development ideas for Eleanor Charles and it was great to catch up and network with so many lovely people in the industry. INDX Kids is one of my favourite shows to do, and this January’s show did not disappoint. Friendly, positive and successful.”
Katie Heptonstall, Eleanor Charles
“This season’s show surpassed our expectations. We understand and appreciate that it’s a challenging time for retailers and suppliers, so to see the show alive with so much positivity and order writing was amazing. Our new brands generated a lot of good energy, and our returning exhibitors were kept very busy for the two days, too. There was a real buzz around the showrooms and we’re already receiving stand bookings for the next show in June. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported the show and contributed to such an upbeat event.”
James Crabtree, Head of Fashion at AIS
INDX Kids will return to Cranmore Park on 30 June and 1 July 2024. Visitor registration will be opening soon via the INDX website. You can also sign up here to receive on-demand content from INDX Kids, including exhibitor signings, brand news, trend insight and industry comment.
Read the full article from CWB here
INDX Woman sparks ‘honest conversations’
INDX Woman was up next unfolding its vibrant collection of womenswear, showcasing the best there is in independent retail and an illuminating cat walk. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the fashion world, INDX Woman provides a platform for aspiring female entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative products and services. The future looks bright for our AIS members and suppliers following yet another standout event at Cranmore Park.
Here's what was said about yet another successful INDX Woman show:
“There’s a good buzz about the place, bearing in mind it's been quite a difficult season for a lot of stores. Everyone seems pretty positive."
Lee Wood, Lee Browns
“It’s been pretty hectic but good, it’s very busy and the car park is heaving, which is always a good sign. There’s a lot of newness at the show which is really good to see. The Accessories Edit has come back and we’ve added to it – we’ve seen an increase in jewellery suppliers this time, that really rounds off the offering for boutique buyers."
James Crabtree, head of fashion at AIS
The next INDX Woman will be held on 21-23 July, with registration opening soon, reverting to the three-day schedule, starting on a Sunday, that it introduced last summer. For the foreseeable future, the January show will remain as a two-day midweek event due to the congested INDX show calendar at Cranmore Park at the beginning of the year.
Read the full article from Drapers here
INDX Man - ‘An order-taking show’
Next up was INDX Man which took place on 4-6 February, managed and organised by AIS. There were 150 brands exhibiting at the show this season, including established labels such as Barker Shoes, Ben Sherman, Bugatti, Farah, Joe Browns, Lee Jeans and Crew Clothing.
INDX Man saw an incredible turnout of more than 900 attendees for the first two and a half days, including buyers from our membership such as Jarrolds, Coes and Morleys.
Here's what was said about the super busy INDX Man show:
“Sunday was really busy and it was non-stop when the show opened. We saw customers old and new. Monday was also busy and we had good conversations with the AIS buying group."
Tom Codd, Perry Ellis, representing Penguin Original
“Sunday was busy and Monday was super busy. We went into the show thinking that it would be busy but it still exceeded our expectation. It’s an order-taking show.”
Paul Lakin, manager of wholesale and partnership at AIS member, Joules
"INDX Man cemented itself as the national menswear show. We’ve been at our full capacity for two years now and there is currently a waiting list for brands that want to exhibit."
"It is an ordering-writing environment and people come here to do business. I would say order level across the board is on par with last year and there is a bit more confidence in the market, but everyone is waiting for the [wider] economy to get better.”
James Crabtree, head of fashion at AIS
INDX Man will return on 14-16 July 2024. Visitor registration will be opening soon via the INDX website. You can also sign up here to receive on-demand content from INDX Man.
Read the full article from Drapers here
INDX Intimate Apparel - Business as Usual
Finally, INDX Intimate Apparel opened its doors showcasing everything from lingerie, swimwear to nightwear. The show had a good attendance by AIS member department stores such as Jarrolds of Norwich and Browns of York. Although there was a lot of talk of industry struggles following the post-Brexit era, it was a period of consolidation for lingerie retailers.
Chris Eve of importer-distributor Patricia Eve, which showed 10 lingerie, swimwear and nightwear collections in the Boutique area and had taken part in Wonderland, appreciates the efforts AIS has made to suit higher-level exhibitors:
“We did not stop on Sunday, seeing half the people through appointments and half as walk-ons. They weren’t all necessarily placing orders, but they were here, which is the important part. Retailers didn’t hit their sales in the festive season, so it’s no surprise they are cautious.”
Chris Eve, Patricia Eve
“The feedback from our members is they are cautious and are managing stock levels carefully. They will be working closely with their suppliers and continuity lines will be important.”
James Crabtree, head of fashion at AIS
The next edition of INDX Intimate Apparel will be held on 28-30 July 2024. Visitor registration will be opening soon via the INDX website. You can also sign up here to receive on-demand content from INDX Intimate Apparel.
Read the full show review The Industry Fashion here
Now we have time to reflect on what was a whirlwind of fashion showcased here at Cranmore Park, our teams are now eagerly anticipating the next round of shows in the summer. The early 2024 shows not only left a lasting impression on hundreds of attendees, it sparked further and important conversations amongst our membership. As the curtains close on another chapter of INDX Fashion Shows, we have already received great feedback on what has been an important time for our members to showcase their products in what is still a very challenging but optimistic period in retail.
Interested in coming to our INDX Fashion Summer shows?
Head over to the INDX Fashion section of the website where you will find all the show information you need, from exhibitor lists to registration information.
Interested in becoming an AIS Supplier?
If you are interested in becoming a preferred supplier and want to be part of the UK and Ireland’s leading buying group for fashion, home, and leisure for independent retail, just complete the Become an AIS Supplier form to start your journey
Interested in becoming an AIS Member?
Take advantage of our exclusive Member offers by becoming part of the AIS family. To find out how you can become a Member of AIS, complete the Become an AIS Member form for more details.
