Your Complete Guide to a Successful 2025 Market Season: Locations, Links, Tips, and Tariffs

What to Expect & Why You Should Attend

Wholesale markets across the country are gearing up for a vibrant frenzy of activity during this summer market season. Towering buildings filled with showrooms and vendor booths offer a dynamic mix of products. You can find everything from apparel and tech to gourmet snacks, home goods, and holiday collections. For retail buyers, markets offer a fast-paced, hands-on opportunity to discover fresh merchandise, connect with vendors, and stay ahead of industry trends.

Beyond the buzz, markets are one of the most efficient ways to build relationships and get business done. In just a few days, you can accomplish what might take weeks of back-and-forth emails and calls—whether it’s previewing new collections, planning inventory around in-stock bestsellers, or strategizing your merchandising mix.

Markets also make it easy to discover new vendors and find immediate-ship goods at a variety of price points, styles, and origin stories. With so many options under one roof, you can compare, curate, and customize your assortment with confidence.

And it’s not just about the buying. From expert-led panels to casual mixers, these events are a valuable chance to learn from your peers, stay current on industry shifts, and strengthen vendor relationships. The connections you make and the knowledge you gain can shape smarter decisions for the season ahead.

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why the AGM has pulled together 10 practical tips to help you navigate the markets with purpose, stay organized, and make the most of every interaction.

Markets to Attend This Summer:

Atlanta Market (ANDMORE) : July 15 – 21, 2025

Held at AmericasMart Atlanta in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia
7.7 million square foot campus
6000+ brands in various categories
Combined 51 floors of shoppable space between 3 buildings

Dallas Mens Show : July 26 – 28, 2025

Held at the Dallas Market Center in Dallas, Texas
700+ brands in men’s apparel, accessories, and footwear
Combined 22 floors of shoppable space between 4 buildings

Las Vegas Market (ANDMORE) : July 27 – 31, 2025

“The sourcing destination on the West Coast”
Held at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas, Nevada
3500+ brands in various categories
Combined 37 floors of shoppable space between 3 buildings

PGA Buying Summit : July 28 – 30, 2025

150+ top and emerging golf brands
Held at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Frisco, Texas

Fun fact: AGM will have a booth in Lobby 10!

Tips for a Successful Market:

Market week is often a frenzy for retailers, so here are a few tips to help streamline your market experience:

1. Plan Ahead

Most markets will have a building layout if not a virtual tour of the interior. Research where your desired product categories will be and try to plan out your route.

2. Know Your Numbers

Before attending, determine your open-to-buy. Know your bestsellers and underperformers, the budget you are working with, and the space available in your inventory storage. Be aware of these factors so that you can make informed purchasing decisions that will enrich your shop.

3. Set Goals

Define your goals for attending the market, such as key product categories and trends to prioritize on your trip. Think of it like a shopping list so that you don’t over-buy or go too far outside of your best-selling product categories.

4. Wear Comfortable Shoes and Attire

Shopping involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and attire that can withstand the long hours. While it’s tempting to dress to impress, the reality is that you will be walking for miles.

5. Only Bring Essentials

Bring a lightweight bag and only fill it with what is necessary, such as:

Business cards
Notepad and pen
Lightweight refillable water bottle
Portable phone charger
High-protein snacks
Address stamp or mailing labels
Payment method such as a company credit card, line of credit, or NET30 terms

6. Take Notes and Photos

Use a physical or digital notepad to record details about products and exhibitors. Take lots of detailed notes so you remember what you liked and who to contact. This also applies to taking photos, as pictures can be some of the clearest notes to reference when making purchasing decisions.

Tip: Use either the Notes app on your phone or the Google Docs app to keep both notes and photos in the same place. You can share these notes with other members of your buying party as well. Make sure to include why you liked the item, such as “unique,” “nice texture,” or “high quality.”

ANDMORE Market Tip: For those attending either of the ANDMORE Markets, download the @Market App to plan out your trip, organize content, have turn-by-turn navigation, and easily scan and share notes and photos.

Tip: If you are in too much of a rush to take written notes, take photos of the brand signs as soon as you enter a section. That way, you will know that all of the following photos will be from that brand, giving you ease of organization and clarity.

7. Keep a Schedule

Keep an eye on the clock and try to hit as many spots as you can, purchasing along the way. When scheduling, leave time for travel between appointments and for exploring the show floor.

If there are products that you are unsure of, highlight where they are and come back to them at the end if you have time. Keeping this in the back of your mind may help you to not to spend too much time in one spot.

8. Network and Connect

Utilize networking opportunities to meet fellow buyers and exhibitors. Attend seminars and social events to build relationships, gain insights, and broaden your network. Remember to take the opportunity to connect with retail community members you rarely see in-person.

9. Compare and Evaluate

Before buying, compare similar products from various exhibitors. Consider quality, pricing, order quantities, delivery timelines, and terms to make informed purchases. Make sure to remain open minded to explore new vendors and opportunities!

10. Keep a Good Attitude

After a long day of walking and talking, it’s normal to be tired. Even still, remember that this is a unique opportunity to not only grow your shop, but to be a light to others that are feeling tired as well. Being courteous and respectful to those around you and keeping a positive mindset will make for a more enjoyable trip for you and others.

Tip: Stay hydrated and fed! : )

Navigating Tariffs

With discussions of tariffs shifting the retail landscape, now is the time to stay focused, not flustered. While the changes may feel uncertain, they also present an opportunity to reassess your buying strategy and strengthen vendor relationships. Take time to outline a few “what-if” scenarios and remember that solid planning is your best defense.

Start by securing stock on your bestsellers to keep shelves full as vendors work through pricing adjustments and supply chain shifts. If your budget allows, consider ordering a little extra of your core inventory to help buffer against delays or potential price increases.

Make sure to avoid making quick, knee-jerk decisions. Emotional responses can create more challenges in the long run, so rely on facts, stay informed, and think ahead.

Additionally, reach out to your vendor reps for help. They can help provide clarity on pricing updates, potential surcharges, and alternative solutions. And don’t underestimate the value of attending markets. Face-to-face conversations with multiple vendors can help you evaluate pricing shifts, uncover new opportunities, and make smart, confident buying choices.

Remember, in times of change, clear communication and thoughtful planning are your best tools.

Conclusion

Summer markets bring endless opportunities, and a little preparation goes a long way. With these tips, you’ll be ready to explore, connect, and curate with confidence. Stay organized, trust your gut, and happy shopping!

To join a merchandiser community and gain weekly educational opportunities and resources, sign up to become a member of the AGM.

A smiling woman stands in a grocery store produce aisle, writing on a notepad with a shopping cart full of colorful fruits and vegetables. Overlaid text in a golf tee graphic reads: "From Groceries to Greens: What Golf Shops Can Learn from Grocery Store Merchandising."

Business Practices, Shop Operations

Your Complete Guide to a Successful 2025 Market Season: Locations, Links, Tips, and Tariffs

What to Expect & Why You Should Attend

Markets to Attend This Summer: