ASR Holiday Show Update 2006
(San Juan Capistrano, CA – June 2, 2006) – The first ASR Holiday trade show was marked with
intense buying, balanced out by a relaxed, waterfront environment. On May 31 and June 1, action
sports industry leaders from around the world met in Newport Beach, CA to preview holiday lines and
write orders with over 100 of the hottest emerging and established brands. Both retailers and
manufacturers were relieved to complete a month’s worth of buying for the important holiday season
in 2 efficient days, all within one pavilion.
“The strength of buyers’ present and overwhelming support from the brands made ASR Holiday’s
debut a success,” says Andy Tompkins, ASR Show Director. “Reps were fully booked, lines were
previewed and orders written. The work of the season was done, effectively in a mellow environment
– we couldn’t have asked for a better first show!”
One of Hawaii’s most influential retailers, Hawaiian Island Creations, joined retailers from around the
US and world in doing their holiday buying at ASR. “We were able to talk to sales managers and
directors in detail about the business, trends and lines,” says Donny Sato, the Men’s Buyer for HIC,
who appreciated the intimate environment of ASR Holiday. Buyers made a point of flying into ASR
Holiday from Canada, Austria, the UK, Brazil, and Israel.
Many of the buyers on the floor were writing paper for multiple storefronts, adding to the magnitude of
buying power at ASR Holiday. Strong attendance on the floor included the who’s who of Southern
California’s retailers such as Jack’s, Sun Diego, Becker’s, K-5, Hanger 94, Pac Sun, Beach Bums and
more. Many exhibitors were booked solid throughout the show. “We’re really focusing on key retailers
and core shops and we’re excited to see so many of them at the show. Exhibiting at ASR Holiday was
very effective for us,” says Scott Viscomi, Sales Manager for Cult.
The combination of key brands under one roof, a convenient location and having lunch served onsite
allowed buyers to make the most of the 2-day show. David Hollander, President of Becker’s, booked 5
appointments each day, and still had time to view new lines, “It was easy to sit at a table, see the
lines, and write orders. We saw the lines in one shot, instead of over a couple week period, saving
lots of time.”
Buzz swirled around new brands, such as Atwater and Factor 54, and the overall release of the
holiday 2006 lines. Vestal’s release of a Shepard Fairey inspired watch and sophisticated outerwear
concepts also generated talk. Todd Miller, co-founder of Factor 54 was thrilled with the brand’s launch
at ASR, “The show was great for us! We made so many new contacts.”
Be sure to catch ASR in San Diego - Next show hits September 8-10, 2006
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ABOUT ASR
ASR, a division of VNU Expositions, is a full service tradeshow whose goal is to create, market and produce high quality
tradeshows and educational conferences. ASR is the leading action sports industry trade event, bringing together top
manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of surf, skate, snow, swim, style, moto and
youth culture. Now in its 25th successful year, ASR gathers over 500 action sports brands and approximately 7,000 retail
buyers and decision makers three times a year, with Spring and Summer season shows in San Diego and ASR Holiday in
Newport Beach. For additional information regarding ASR, please contact Lora Bodmer at Deep Communications by phone,
949.200.7134, email, lbodmer@wyoming.com, or check out www.asrbiz.com.
