Buyers braved snow and sub-zero temperatures to attend the latest edition of Just Around the Corner (JATC) in Manchester last week. Held at the city’s historical Manchester Central for the first time, there was an upbeat atmosphere from retailers and exhibitors as industry insiders looked forward to the new season ahead.
Over 80 brands unveiled their AW23 collections including womenswear labels B.Young, Black Colour DK, Grace and Mila, Ichi, Lily and Me, Soaked in Luxury, Sugarhill Brighton and Traffic People. Further cementing JATC’s position as an order-writing show, organisers also introduced a new discount incentive this season for orders placed with participating brands at the two-day event.
Organiser Juls Dawson says he was pleased with visitor numbers, which were “in line with last season” despite the cold snap. He says: “The new venue received bundles of praise from exhibitors and visitors alike; it’s full of industrial charm and a dream to set up in and visit. There is plenty of space to grow for future shows and we will definitely be back in July.
“We have proved now that we serve a purpose for brands and agents with permanent or pop-up Manchester showrooms or those based in London; we only expect the future Northern editions of JATC to continue to grow. We already have plans for SS24 to roll out our new Lifestyle and Beauty section to Manchester, which debuts in London in February, as many of the categories in this zone don’t have a trade platform in the North.
“With pre-registration up for the London edition and the fact we are now sold out from a stand perspective, we are confident for a good turnout at the Truman Brewery.”
JATC prides itself on offering a “buyer-friendly environment,” serving free barista coffee and hot drinks to attendees with pastries and complimentary lunches from street vendors. This season buyers warmed themselves up with cheese toasties with sides of slaw and cups of hot coffee.
Sue Jackson, founder of online fashion boutique Studio 12, said she really enjoyed visiting the show: “There was a superb laid-back atmosphere; the vibe included cool music and great food and drink (always a bonus when energy levels are waning) and an eclectic mix of brands too. The Spanish brand I picked up was well worth the trip alone.”
Meanwhile, Tara Knapp at Australia Luxe Collective said the brand was really pleased with the show: “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. As a brand we do like the straightforward no fuss approach here, it’s so refreshing and such a nice vibe!”
Dylan Chadha at Louche, adds: “I appreciate having a good early show like this to get an early reaction to the collection. I have seen key accounts, independents and a few prospects. The new venue is great, so it has ticked a lot of boxes.”
First launched in 2020, JATC is the UK’s only multi-gender fashion and lifestyle trade show held in two separate locations. Its next edition takes place in London from 8-9 February. Pre-register for free entry here.