There’s nothing like a slow economy to dampen a party.
The Action Sports Retailer Trade Expo kicked off in San Diego on a somber note on Thursday.
The trade show typically draws thousands to party and check out the latest looks from many of Orange County’s surf- and skate-inspired brands.
This year’s expected attendance is down 5% to 10% from prior years as retailers and apparel makers struggle with weak sales, according to ASR show director Andy Tompkins.
The show typically draws about 18,600 attendees including 6,600 buyers and distributors and 500 members of the media.
“Attendance is lower compared to previous years,” Tompkins said. “We’ve noticed that some companies have pulled back because of the economy.”
ASR’s slumped turnout is another sign that the challenging economic environment has taken its toll on surfwear makers and stores.
As the show was getting started, Anaheim-based Pacific Sunwear of California Inc., the biggest seller of surfwear, reported a 6% drop in August same-store sales.
This year’s ASR show has fewer startup clothing companies as many are trying to save money on travel and marketing expenses, Tompkins said.
The show still welcomed a strong contingent of familiar faces.
Heavyweights Huntington Beach-based Quiksilver Inc., Billabong USA in Irvine, Lake Forest-based Oakley Inc. and Costa Mesa-based Volcom Inc. made their grand appearances with large booths equipped with lots of clothes, loud music and the usual fun and games found at ASR.
The wackiest of the bunch was Volcom’s booth, which had a mall food court motif dubbed “Atomic on a Stick.”
Despite ASR’s weak opening, many exhibitors expect the show’s pace to pick before it ends Saturday.
ASR will launch its first ever trade show for edgy clothing companies inspired by the mixed martial arts and tattoo industries Friday at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego.
The new show is dubbed Virtue.
