Informa Markets announced Thursday the cancellation of its September apparel and footwear trade shows in New York City.
This includes Coterie, Fame, Moda and Sole Commerce as well as previously rescheduled Project and Children’s Club. The trade shows were to be held under one roof at the Jacob Javits Center Sept. 22-24.
Though New York City is inching toward Phase 3 of its reopening, the former U.S. epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic remains a challenging location for large-scale events. The decision to cancel, Informa stated, came down to continued uncertainty around travel and border restrictions as well as health and safety concerns.
Instead, show organizers will focus their efforts on providing an opportunity for “business continuity” through a newly launched digital trade event beginning Sept. 1 that will run through Nov. 1.
“Ultimately, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s physical event and focus our efforts on a dynamic return to the show floor in 2021 and on the opportunities that our digital marketplace can offer both our brand partners and retail buyers this season,” said Nancy Walsh, president of Informa Markets Fashion.
The digital event will come together through a partnership with wholesale e-commerce platform NuOrder. The online show will allow buyers to shop brands’ collections via e-catalogs, digital line sheets and virtual showroom technology as well as review creative editorials and content.
“We have a lot of great ideas to enhance the physical experience at our show in the new year, and solutions to use digital in a more compelling way to enhance the experience for all of our customers starting this September,” Walsh said.
Informa’s Las Vegas shows Project, WWDMagic, Micam Americas and Sourcing at Magic remain on the calendar for Sept. 30-Oct 2.
