The West Coast Trend Show was held in the US on August 8, 9 and 10. It catered to the Spring ’16 menswear fashion market. This season there was a 20 per cent increase in retailers over last year. The sold-out show featured more than 200 brands. There were several retailers from Las Vegas.

WCTS draws buyers from mid-tier to upper-end specialty stores in California such as Patrick James in Fresno and Gary’s in Newport Beach as well as retailers from Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico and Washington state.

With going getting tough for brick-and-mortar retailers they have to standout. If they don’t have a relationship with their customers, they’re at a great disadvantage. It’s key for retailers to find unique ways to deliver value to the customer and differentiate with regards to service and product mix.

Overall, business is rebounding. Brands are taking more risks. From soft coats and lightweight knits to linen tops and bottoms, buyers at WCTS were looking for products to inspire their business. Garment pigment-dyed linen and twill jackets are extremely popular. This was possibly West Coast Trend Show’s most successful spring show to date with the highest number of retailers and representatives in attendance.