Just Around The Corner: the Drapers trade show verdict

Menswear’s Just Around The Corner (JATC) was the first product trade show out of the stable after the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to physical events for the best part of 18 months.

And appetite for face-to-face meetings was high at the event, which had moved to The Boiler Room in Brick Lane, east London for the spring/summer 22 season. Last time the show ran, in January 2020, it was split between The Rag Factory in Brick Lane, and Toynbee Hall on Commercial Street.

It was clear that the industry is keen to meet and greet each other again. The recent spring/summer 22 event received more than 400 visitors, compared with 150 over three days at the January 2020 event.

Michael Shalders, co-owner of distributor Love Brands, which represents brands including Guess, Joop and footwear brand Munich told Drapers: “The prices have been sensible, which will attract brands [to exhibit]. I’ve always thought there was a need for trade shows – anyone who’s had a Zoom meeting in the last 18 months will say we need face-to-face contact. There’s a lot to be learned by going to a trade show.”

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