Virtual - The Curve Connect digital lingerie show is extending the closing date of the virtual event until December 31.
The Comexposium Group USA launched the Curve Connect event through a partnership with event-software provider Grip for an online trade exposition that launched on September 13. To date the platform has welcomed more than 1200 International buyers from the USA, Canada, England, France, Spain, Japan, Australia, & Mexico.
“We have been asked by the buyers to extend the closing dates to give everyone more opportunities to preview the Spring 2021 collections, make orders for immediate & holiday merchandise, & watch the webinars," organisers said. "Retailers are especially time crunched these days and we realized they are often visiting Curve Connect outside the traditional work hours," said Raphael Camp, CEO of Curve. "The flexibility of being able to log on to the show in between their store appointments or before/after the store closes is very appealing to the buyers."
For the 60+ participating brands, they have recognised there is the ability to generate a substantial amount of leads and make connections long after the doors to the Curve physical trade show would have closed. The extra time will enable them to make connections now & for the future.
"The AI intelligence of the Grip platform allows for a continual update of matchmaking as new buyers log on and brands update their product offerings," Camp added. "This virtual technology is still very new, organisers said, but both brands and buyers alike are learning how to embrace the many benefits of working digitally by participating in Curve Connect."
Feedback from buyers has also been positive. "Tracy Anderson, owner of La Bratique said : “Great Job, your team has made our store feel connected, educated and engaged in our industry throughout COVID.”
Belinda Farmer, owner of Pretty Moments agreed: “I’m often alone in the store so the flexible schedule to work whenever is helpful.”
Informative webinars have also been a big draw to Curve Connect. Of particular interest has been learning how to fit bras, while trying to follow social distancing guidelines with “Are You Ready to Reinvent Your Bra-Fitting Business for 2020?,” “The Virtual Fit School: ‘How to Survive and Thrive in This New Time” along with “A Lingerie Fitters Guide to Addressing Breast Surgeries.”
A further highlight of Curve Connect has been the presentation of the NPD & Curve Excellence Awards, which recognised the outstanding work of the industry’s retailers, brand representatives and innovative labels. 23 Crystal trophies were awarded including:
#1 Selling Bra in the U.S. During the 2nd Quarter of 2020 Fruit of the Loom, Style 3pk Crop
#1 Selling Average Figure Designer Bra in the U.S Natori – Bliss Perfection Underwire, Style 721154
#1 Selling Designer Sports Bra in the U.S. WACOAL AMERICA Style 855170
#1 Dollar Growth Average Figure Designer Brand TRUE&CO
#1 Digital Native Bra Brand Among Millennials THIRD LOVE
