Agenda NYC 2012 Recap

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I REALLY LIKE THIS SHOW I THINK YOU WILL TOO

Described by founder Aaron Levant as “the strongest show ever in New York,” this year’s Agenda NYC brought in nearly a third more brands and raised its retail attendance to well over 100. The diversity of buyers seems to have grown as well, with everyone from Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s along with core shops across the East being represented. All of which had the chance to see Agenda staples like Skullcandy, Brixton, The Hundreds, and Obey alongside new heavy hitting exhibitors like Levi’s and Hurley, and brands like Praxis Footwear and House of Marley, who represent the show’s progression to include more skate and lifestyle influenced brands.

Divided into two rooms, the lot represented a wide range from iconic skate brands like Vans and Stereo to steadfast streetwear brands like Crooks & Castles, NYC’s Publish, and Rocksmith-Wutang LTD. Even spray paint specialist Montana Cans was present. Brands balancing between lifestyle and streetwear seemed to do well too, especially G-Shock, LRG, Native, and Play Cloths—all under The Foundation umbrella. The diversity gave buyers a unique opportunity to see multiple accounts in the same room while also giving fellow retailers a chance to check out what else is going in the industry. Both buyers and wandering retailers seemed rather receptive to Skullcandy’s simplified branding reboot, keeping their booth busy throughout both days.

The overall feel at both days of  2012′s Agenda NYC seemed upbeat, but rather mellow, which many retailers attributed to the rigorous trade-show tour that everyone seems to be nearing the end of. Although the crowd was slightly toned down, the vibe was good and spirits were high. Even as many sales reps searched for enthusiasm for the 100th pitch of the day, buyers didn’t seem to be phased. Most brands seemed be doing quite well, passing on that shops were in a buying mood. This of course being welcome news as opposed to the economically depreciated mentality seen in recent years. At the end of the two-day event everyone was in high spirits, as the consensus is clear—2012 is going to be good year.