Despite a move to downtown Las Vegas, Liberty Fairs did not see a decline in the number of vendors exhibiting at its recent show, held from February 5 to 7, 2019 at the World Market Center. But, there was a slight decline in buyer attendance from a year ago. Retailers including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Urban Outfittersand Ron Robinson shopped at Liberty. Los Angeles denim brand AG Jeans made its Liberty debut in a temporary space.
Despite being located off the Las Vegas Strip, this Liberty felt like other trade shows. Some vendors raved about their show’s business. Others said that there was room for improvement. But a move did create some confusion as retailers were seen looking for Liberty at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, where it is normally held and will return to for future Las Vegas shows. Retailers like Johnny Alper and Gila Leibovitch of The Vault Group of stores in Laguna Beach, Calif., wasted a lot of time in transit going from show to show.
Access to the trade show was easier because buyers didn’t have to walk through a crowded casino to reach the event. It was easier to set up booths at the temporary venue because vendors set up their own booths instead of workers employed by the Strip’s convention halls.
