Retail trade shows are a great way to see products in person, learn more about them, and network with other business owners and vendors in their industry. Some trade shows even offer educational opportunities, like panel discussions and expert speakers.
In this guide, we will look at the best retail conferences and tradeshows throughout the country, broken down by region, exploring their offerings, attendance fees, and when they are happening.
Before getting into the nitty-gritty, here is an overview of the best retail trade shows for 2024. Or, You can download our free 2024 retail trade show calendar:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you for downloading!
Northeast
Here is a list of the top trade shows hosted in the Northeastern US. Expand the sections to learn more.
COTERIE NY
Best for: Luxury fashion
Location: Javits Center, New York City
Dates: February 20–22, 2024
Cost to attend: Free for verified retailers; $1,500–$2,500 for unverified attendees; register here
COTERIE NY is an annual women’s apparel, accessories, and footwear trade show specializing in premium and affordable luxury. The brands that typically attend showcase contemporary, trend-driven fashion and include both well-established labels and new, cutting-edge vendors.
NY NOW
Best for: Eclectic apparel, homewares, and gifts
Location: Javits Center, New York City
Dates: February 4–7, 2024
Cost to attend: Free for attendees ($30 for guests under the age of 14)
NY NOW is another popular trade show at the Javits Center in New York City. It is known for attracting eclectic, artisanal vendors from around the world and prides itself on providing retailers with unique products. NY NOW doesn’t try to stick to trends or contemporary style, instead prioritizing interesting goods and the excitement of discovery. Every year, it brings eclectic new pieces to the forefront and allows retailers to find products their competitors won’t have.
Toy Fair
Best for: Toys and children’s goods
Location: Javits Center, New York City
Dates: Returning in March 2025 (2024 show has been canceled)
Cost to attend: Free for qualified businesses; $295 for guests
Also known as the North American International Toy Fair, Toy Fair is the largest toy trade show in the country and provides a one-stop shop for all things children’s recreation. With over 1,000 vendors and 150,000 toy and entertainment products, there is no shortage of fun at Toy Fair. Along with the classics, Toy Fair also showcases all the cutting-edge toys and tech, ensuring that you stay ahead of the demand curve.
It also splits its market into sections to improve shopability and is centrally located in NYC’s Javits Center.
Southeast
Here is a list of the top trade shows hosted in the Southeastern US. Expand the sections to learn more.
Atlanta Market at AmericasMart
Best for: One-stop shop for home, gifts, and apparel
Location: AmericasMart, Atlanta
Dates: Seasonal shows include
- Winter Market: January 16–22, 2024
- February Market: February 6–9, 2024
- Spring Market: March 4–6, 2024
- Summer Market: July 15–21, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
Atlanta Market, located in Atlanta’s AmericasMart, is the nation’s largest wholesale gift, home, decor, and apparel trade show. The large mall is open only to businesses and resellers and holds market events, including the Atlanta Market. For the Atlanta Market, over 8,000 vendors from across the world come together to showcase their goods. While some shows are limited to apparel or home or gifts, the Atlanta Market provides vendors for all these categories, making it a great place to get lots of buying done efficiently.
COBB Trade Show
Best for: Curated, small apparel brands
Location: COBB Galleria Center, Atlanta
Dates: January 21–22, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
If big-name, trendy clothing is not what you’re looking for, the COBB Trade Show might be right for you. COBB is an apparel trade show featuring a curated list of premium smaller and more artisanal brands. Rather than focusing on trends and contemporary designers, it focuses on handmade apparel and indie labels, making it the perfect place to find unique and timeless pieces for your store.
If you are looking for smaller, artisan brands, COBB is your destination. (Source: COBB Galleria Center)
Smoky Mountain Gift Show
Best for: Gifts and novelties
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Dates: November 6–9, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
The Smoky Mountain Gift Show is a major trade show hosted in the mountains of Tennessee each fall. With over 350 gift, souvenir, and resort vendors, this is a great place to shop if you need trinkets for your cash wrap or if you own a gift or resort shop. The Smoky Mountain Gift Show is also known for its world-class hospitality and festive environment.
International Gift Expo in the Smokies (IGES)
Best for: Souvenirs, gifts, and novelties
Location: Sevierville Convention Center, Sevierville, Tennessee & LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dates: November 5–7 (Sevierville) & 6–9 (Pigeon Forge), 2024
Cost to attend: Free
The International Gift Expo in the Smokies (IGES) is another popular gift and souvenir show hosted in the mountains of Tennessee each fall. In fact, the IGES show is typically hosted on the same weekend as the Smoky Mountain Gift Show, so retailers will often visit both for maximum efficiency and vendor variety. IGES is slightly larger than the Smoky Mountain Gift Show, with over 400 vendors showcasing their gift and souvenir goods.
Find gifts that you can customize to your local or brand at the IGES trade show. (Source: Pinterest)
Surf Expo
Best for: Surf and beach goods and apparel
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
Dates: January 10–12 & September 5–7, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
Surf Expo is a popular trade show for beach and surf goods located in Orlando, Florida. It features surfing, paddleboarding, skateboarding, swimming, and general beachwear goods, like apparel and beach towels. Typically, attendees own specialty beach and surf shops, and the Surf Expo is the perfect place for them to explore innovations in beach sports and goods.
All things beach and surf come together under one roof for the Surf Expo in California.
(Source: Orange County Convention Center)
Grand Strand Show
Best for: Coastal resort and souvenir goods
Location: Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, Florida
Dates: December 8–11, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
The Grand Strand Gift and Resort Merchandise Show is the largest coastal souvenir trade show in the country. It hosts hundreds of vendors specializing in resort gifts and goods and has earned many awards for the quality of its products. Grand Strand occurs each year during coastal vacationers’ off-season, allowing retailers to fill their orders and get merchandise on their shelves before vacation season begins.
The Grand Strand trade show is a great place to find coastal-inspired goods..
(Source: Facebook – Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show)
Midwest
Here is a list of the top trade shows hosted in the Midwestern US. Expand the sections to learn more.
CABDA Midwest Show
Best for: Bikes and cycling gear
Location: Schaumburg Convention Center, Chicago
Dates: February 7–8, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
CABDA is the trade show for bicycles and cycling supplies. For its Midwest show, CABDA returns to its original home in Chicago at the Schaumburg Convention Center. Here you can see new bikes, cycling apparel, parts and accessories, and new biking tech. The Midwest show is also CABDA’s largest show, with vendors from over 20 states.
CABDA is the trade show for bikes and biking accessories. (Source: BikeBiz)
The Inspired Home Show
Best for: Homewares, decor, and small appliances
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago
Dates: March 17–19, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
Another great trade conference in Chicago is The Inspired Home Show, which specializes in kitchen supplies, decorative wares, small appliances, and cleaning and home improvement tools. Not only do hundreds of premier homeware vendors come to show their goods, but there are also home experts who attend and provide insights about industry trends and innovations. The Inspired Home Show also makes efforts to bring in new and cutting-edge brands and large established suppliers.
The Inspired Home Show invites all the largest brands in homewares and tools for retailers to shop. (Source: The Inspired Home Show)
Southwest
Here is a list of the top trade shows hosted in the Southwestern US. Expand the sections to learn more.
MAGIC Las Vegas
Best for: Contemporary, trendy apparel
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Winchester, Nevada
Dates: February 13–15, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
MAGIC is the country’s largest trade show for youthful, contemporary fashion. With a large variety of trend-driven vendors, MAGIC has products for men, women, and children. This trade show also provides educational speakers from industry leaders where you can learn about trends and get insights into their own success.
COSMOPROF Las Vegas
Best for: The cutting edge of beauty
Location: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas
Dates: July 23–25, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
COSMOPROF is the leader in beauty with a focus on new beauty brands, product innovations, and revolutionary technologies. In addition to providing a wide variety of beauty vendors, COSMOPROF also offers educational opportunities, including expert speaker sessions and trend reports. It is a great show if you want to be the leader in beauty products and learn how to stay ahead of your industry.
Outdoor Retailer Shows
Best for: Camping apparel and gear
Location: Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City
Dates: June 17–19 & November 6–8, 2024
Cost to attend: $0–$40 (depending on when you purchase tickets)
Salt Lake City will host two annual Outdoor Retailer Shows in 2023, a summer and winter edition. At the summer show, you can see camping, swimming, climbing, rafting, and other summer outdoor products. Then, at the winter show, or its “snow show,” you will find skiing, snowboarding, winter camping, and other winter outdoor products. Outdoor Retailer is considered the leader in outdoor gear and is also a great place to network and meet others from your industry.
You can find all things outdoor recreation and sport at the Outdoor Retailer Shows. (Source: The Business Journals)
Las Vegas Market
Best for: Homewares, furniture, jewelry, gifts, handmade, etc.
Location: World Market Center Las Vegas, Las Vegas
Dates: January 28–February 1 & July 28–August 1, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
The Las Vegas Market is one of the largest home and furniture trade shows in the country. While the location is a permanent showroom for furniture and houseware, twice a year, they set up temporary showrooms where smaller vendors from all kinds of industries can come and sell their goods to SMBs.
JCK Show
Best for: Fine jewelry and gems
Location: The Venetian Resort and Hotel, Las Vegas
Dates: May 31–June 3, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
The Jewelers Circular Keystone (JCK) Show is a fine jewelry and gemstone show with products and vendors from around the world. JCK brings over 30,000 industry professionals, including over 2,300 vendors, into a secure environment where you can write orders and learn from expert panels and seminars.
ASD Market Week
Best for: High-margin, high-volume goods
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, Nevada
Dates: March 10–13, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
ASD Market Week is a massive trade show that hosts over 1,500 vendors from dozens of product categories. ASD’s focus is sourcing high-margin goods, including everything from products for Amazon sellers to holiday decor to beauty and kids’ toys. It is also a great networking opportunity as it attracts thousands of attendees every year. And, the show is home to a variety of educational events.
Find a wide variety of consumer goods at ASD Market Week. (Source: Network in Vegas)
Northwest
Here is a list of the top trade shows hosted in the Northwestern US. Expand the sections to learn more.
The WWSRA Northwest January Show
Best for: Outdoor goods, apparel, and gear
Location: Clark County Fairgrounds, Ridgefield, Washington
Dates: January 9–11, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
The Western Winter Sports Representatives Association (WWSRA) hosts a variety of trade shows throughout the year, including the Northwest January Show. Here you can explore new products and see demos for outdoor, snowsports, and active lifestyle merchandise. The WWSRA also prides itself on providing cost-effective vendor options and networking opportunities.
Shop major brands and up-and-coming names in the outdoor industry. (Source: Pacific Crest Trading)
Seattle Market Show
Best for: Seattle-made goods
Location: Seattle Mart, Seattle
Dates: January 22–26, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
Seattle Mart is a large market located in Seattle that is typically a consumer shopping center that closes its doors for one week a year so it can host a gift show. Here, retailers can shop from local artisans and vendors for unique gifts and trinkets. This is a great opportunity to source local goods and find special items to add to your store.
Shop local and artisanal goods at the Seattle Mart Shows. (Source: Seattle Mart)
West
Here is a list of the top trade shows hosted in the Western US. Expand the sections to learn more.
LA Market Weeks
Best for: Curated selections of men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel
Location: California Market Center, Los Angeles
Dates: Seasonal shows include
- Winter: January 8–10, 2024
- Spring: March 11–13, 2024
- Summer: June 17–19, 2024
- Summer: July 29–31, 2024
- Fall: October 7–9, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
LA Market Weeks at the California Market Center in L.A. are a series of trade shows, hosted seasonally to provide retailers with a curated selection of high-to-mid-end men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel and accessories. The selection of vendors is uniquely California in its aesthetic and offers a wide selection of goods from both emerging and established brands.
Shop a curated selection of fashion goods and apparel. (Source: BizBash)
LA Mart’s Gift + Home Markets
Best for: Curated gifts and homewares
Location: The Reed, Los Angeles
Dates: January 22–25 & July 8–11, 2024
Cost to attend: Free
The Gift and Home Markets at LA Mart are LA Market Week’s home-focused counterparts. Where Market Week focuses primarily on apparel, the Gift and Home Markets are also occurring, and you can shop for trinkets, decor, and other home and gift products.
Just as LA Market Week is curated, so too are the Home and Gift Markets. There is also a healthy mix of emerging and established designers, with a focus on contemporary trend-driven design at a mid to high price range.
Los Angeles Cash and Carry Show
Best for: Cash-and-carry purchases
Location: LA Convention Center, Los Angeles
Dates: April 2024, exact dates TBD
Cost to attend: Free
The Los Angeles Cash and Carry Show is a trade show featuring products from the following categories:
- Gifts & Collectibles
- Aromatherapy
- Bath and Spa Items
- Handcrafted Items
- Gourmet Food Products
- Holiday Merchandise
- Personal & Fashion Accessories
- Fine and Fashion Jewelry
- And more
What makes this show different is that it is cash-and-carry, meaning you purchase in full at the show and your items are available for immediate delivery. This makes the Los Angeles Cash and Carry Show (or any cash-and-carry show) a great place for stocking up on bestsellers and getting products on a tight schedule.
The Los Angeles Cash and Carry Show is a great way to get products fast. (Source: Los Angeles Cash & Carry Show)
Bottom Line
Attending trade shows is an important part of running a successful retail business. The hardest part is parsing through all the options so that you can find the events that make the most sense for your business. With the list above, you can make informed decisions about the trade shows and conferences you attend so you can reap their rewards without getting lost in the alternatives.
