Despite fashion and retailers going through an economically hard time, especially when it comes to youth culture and action sports fashion, the trade show scene continues to change rapidly, as seen with the recent announcement that UBM, parent company of MAGIC, Project, and Pool, has acquired Business Journals Inc., owners of MRket, Accessories, and Stich.
There were several rumors about the acquisition during the fashion trade show season, but no one was quite sure how this acquisition would work and if it did happen, if there would be redundancy.
With this new expansion, now UBM will have more shows in New York City, such as Project, and three women’s fashion shows Moda, Edit, and Fame.
“Having BJI’s shows join Coterie, MAGIC, and Project within the same company provides the fashion industry with a comprehensive range of finely segmented shows to serve the needs of every fashion category. Adding BJI allows us to be more responsive to our customers as we work to coordinate venues and dates and organize show floors to make the process easier and more valuable for exhibitors and retailers,” said Scott Schulman, chief executive officer of UBM Americas. “Moreover, as part of UBM, BJI becomes part of a global company that can help its customers expand internationally.”
UBM bought Advanstar in 2015 for $972 million. The new deal with UBM and BJI (which produces 27 shows) may challenge other shows such as Agenda, Capsule, and Liberty Fairs (Modern Assembly) in Las Vegas this coming season, as the behemoth of UBM expands its reach.
“Having the greatest possible selection of brands brought together in one place and merchandised in a compelling way makes every retailer’s life easier and helps the wholesale buying process,” said Chris DeMoulin, managing director, fashion, UBM Americas. “We are really excited about the expanded possibilities for helping retail buyers be more efficient and find the best products for their stores. In doing so, we will be bringing exhibitors an even greater number of retailers who want to find and buy the best fashions. Additionally, having media brands like MR and Accessories will help our markets stay informed and connected 365 days a year.”
“UBM Americas is the perfect home for BJI’s hallmark brands,” said Britton Jones, president and CEO of BJI. “The complementary nature of our portfolios and teams will undoubtedly create opportunities for growth and a better overall experience for our brands and retailers. I am excited by this union and confident that together we will craft the future of events for the fashion industry. This is a great day for our customers, our industry and for BJI.”
In other news, MAGIC with expand into Japan in April, 2017 via a joint venture with Japanese publisher Senken Shimbun, which produces the JFW International Fashion Fair.
The show will be held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center during Japan Fashion Week.
“Fashion is a truly global industry, and we are thrilled for MAGIC’s upcoming expansion into the Japan market in partnership with JFW International Fashion Fair and UBM Japan,” said UBM Americas’ DeMoulin. “Our combined expertise will not only help IFF MAGIC Japan evolve quickly to meet the dynamic needs of the Japanese market but will provide a new platform for UBM Fashion’s global customer base to find new business partners and brands in Japan as well.”
