MAGIC executives, Christopher Griffin, President of SOURCING at UBM Advanstar and Leslie Gallin, President of Footwear at UBM Advanstar, share the reasons why global brands all want in on MAGIC’s retail launch pad:
1. Worldwide Recognition: MAGIC has created a solid, proven business environment which is known and respected worldwide. The show has launched some of the biggest names in fashion, from FUBU to Desigual, and many others. These brands started out as tiny startups and have continued to catapult to mass retail success.
2. Mass Attendance: Big box and boutique retailers, and everything in between come to MAGIC. Brands have the best opportunities of getting their product in front of the markets that best align with them, while retailers are offered the largest, most comprehensive showcasing of product all under one roof.
3. Evolving with the Times: The show continues to evolve with the fresh faces of fashion; launching celebrity lines, blogger collections and hosting unique seminars that touch on the hottest topics in the industry today.
4. Matchmaking: MAGIC aggressively works on “matchmaking”, taking the international brands who are coming and presenting them to retailers based upon pre-determined buying selections per retailer. MAGIC also works with brands prior to the show to help them better understand the U.S. market, make connections to key agencies, and provide translators and business insight-trade in order to best prepare them for success.
Cultural Curation: MAGIC celebrates unique cultures and curates areas specifics for them. A prime example is Japan Fun Time in WWDMAGIC; a section featuring fashion-forward brands from Tokyo with an attendee loved sushi bar.