Press Release- Final Report - July 2006

Atlanta Apparel Exhibition at Cobb Galleria

• Business steady with buyers shopping for at once and holiday
• Sold out show with 600 lines, 535 booths, and over 40 new exhibitors

Atlanta, GA (July 26, 2006) - "The Right Show in the Right Place at the Right Time"

A steady stream of buyers shopped the aisles at the July 23-24 edition of the Atlanta Apparel Exhibition at the Cobb Galleria, looking for at once and holiday merchandise for their stores. The number one men\u2019s apparel trade event in the southeastern territory continues to be a "must see" for a loyal buyer base that travels from the southeast, southwest, the Islands, and from the northeastern corridor to buy from the most comprehensive list of exhibitors in this region. While retail business has softened recently, AAE showed a 9.1% increase in retail attendance over July 2005's event with plenty of success stories.

"This show has consistently provided me with new clients looking for new ideas for their stores," enthused Vanessa Vickers, VP Sales for A. Tiziano. "Behind every show is a hidden treasure and we've found this at Cobb. I picked up 8 new clients, one from Florida and one from Washington, DC. It's amazing how many different buyers from all points are at this show."

The strength of attracting - and keeping - a loyal buyer base is to maintain a diverse collection of exhibitors that bring in a variety of fashion-forward merchandise to entice retailers. AAE includes collections from urban, streetwear, dresswear, casualwear, sportswear, shoes, and accessories in a variety of price points and fashion.

Joe Pappagallo with Alko/Gallo has found a new haven for merchandise. "We first came to AAE in April and were surprised by the variety offered. With 25 stores on the east coast, we've done very well at Cobb. It's well-organized, the location is great, and it's the easiest shopping experience for us."

In a tough economy, new ideas encourage buyers to take a second look. Edoc Laundry, a first-time exhibitor, showed a line of tees with hidden messages that is part of an ongoing murder mystery on their website. Twelve exhibitors previewed their collections in specially designed promotional displays at the registration lobby area to attract retailers to their booths.

"We prefer this venue as do the buyers. In fact, we're pretty happy right now since we scored a huge deal with A.J. Wright Sunday afternoon," said Don Mahmood of Eklectic Genes . "This is the only show that always brings in the major hitters."

To complement its growing collection of merchandise, the Atlanta Apparel Exhibition at Cobb is adding more contemporary and edgier brands, as well as more traditional dresswear to its roster. Staying ahead of the curve is what makes this event so successful.

The Atlanta Apparel Exhibition at Cobb sells out quickly so for potential exhibitors, please send your contract in early. For more information on upcoming events, please visit www.aaeshow.com. The next event will be October 22-23, 2006 at the Cobb Galleria Centre.

For show information, contact Carolyn Rey, Show Manager, Tel: 770-982-4682 or Fax: 770.982.4683, creyaaeg@comcast.net. For exhibitor sales information, contact Deborah Green, at 770-444-3845 or email, deborahgreen1@earthlink.net.