Pure opens in optimistic mood

Buyers at Pure were cautious with their autumn budgets

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Womenswear exhibitors at Pure were upbeat on day one of the show but footfall was stronger in the footwear and accessories areas.

Exhibitors told Drapers they were pleased with the level of orders they had written on the first day of the exhibition and said that independent retailers were reasonably optimistic given the tough economic climate.

James Lakeland, owner of James Lakeland said: "People are cautious but they are powering on. They see our brand as a safety net because if stock does not sell through they can come to the showroom and swap it. We are helping them not hindering them so we have had a good show."

Alison Philips owner of AP Fashion Marketing said: "The show is buzzing. I could not get into either car park this morning. Retailers are feeling positive. They are quite cautious with their budgets but the seasoned retailers have been around and are getting used to exploiting 'never out of stock' collections to ease cashflow."

Meanwhile exhibitors in the new footwear section of Pure said that the fair was the best footwear show the UK had seen in years. Eddie Barnes general manager of Bronx said that he had written between 12 and 15 orders on the first day of the show.

Jan Shutt, owner of Sunday Best in Rawtenstall, Lancashire said she had visited the show purely for the accessories section.