JATC Manchester gets off to solid start as UK trade show season kicks off

JATC (Just Around The Corner) Manchester got the UK AW23 trade show season off to a solid start today at its new venue in the heart of the city.

Organised by industry veteran Juls Dawson and staged at the historic Manchester Central venue, JATC attracted buyers from big name boutiques, particularly from the North and Scotland, such as Sisters and Misters in Falkirk, Rosy Penguin in Edinburgh, Porters in Harrogate and Style Junky in Sale.

Snow meant the morning got off to a slow start as it hampered travel but exhibitors said that footfall picked up throughout the day as buyers were keen to see what the 80 brands on show had to offer at what is the first of the UK's major fashion trade shows to take place this season.

“Despite the slow start due solely to weather related conditions the show became busy mid-morning and has been steadily busy since. The venue is appreciated by buyers and exhibitors alike and we have picked up quite a bit of new business, which is the reason we do trade shows,”  said Ian Campbell Smith of fashion agency Palladio Associates.

Tara Knapp of footwear brand Australia Luxe Collective said: “Really pleased with day one – we have done the London JATC show and were hoping Manchester would be great for seeing Scottish and Northern boutiques and it’s not disappointed.  We’ve had a steady flow of retailers throughout the day. As a brand we do like the straightforward no fuss approach here, so refreshing and such a nice vibe!”

Organiser Dawson has been keen to set his JATC shows apart from the pack with an egalitarian approach to exhibitors whose stands all follow the same informal but accessible format, along with complimentary food & drink and music to make the visit more enjoyable for buyers. Today buyers were served toasties and coffees to stave off the cold from outside.

“Really enjoyed visiting the just show today," said Sue Jackson of online retailer Studio 12. "[There was] a superb laid back atmosphere, the vibe included cool music & great food & drink (always a bonus when energy levels are waning) and an eclectic mix of brands too was the main plus of the day. The Spanish brand I picked up was well worth the trip alone and as the slogan says you just never know what's 'around the corner'.”

JATC will continue its residency in Manchester tomorrow before the larger London edition takes place at the Truman Brewery in Shoreditch from 8-9 February.