LOS ANGELES — With about three months until the upcoming ANME/XBIZ Show, more than 100 buyers have already signed up for the adult retail industry’s biggest virtual expo event set for July 12-16.
Participating buyers from leading retailers and top distributors will be beaming in from all over the world to meet with international vendors during a week packed with one-on-one meetings and boundless opportunities to network. The virtual event also will offer panel discussions on a variety of key topics and trends that are shaping pleasure products and adult retail.
As a bonus to incentivize business between participants, retail buyers are entered into a contest to reward the Top Three buyers as rated by vendors based on a range of criteria.
As the second ANME/XBIZ show to be held this year, several of the attending buyers are looking forward to the latest edition to check out the latest product offerings and ensure retail success throughout the rest of the year.
“I love the timing of this July ANME/XBIZ show because it allows just enough time to finalize holiday season purchasing,” said Shelia Holster from Sactacular. “Private virtual meetings provide instant support from vendors. So I anticipate finding several key items to stock up on.”
Casey Lozano, the buyer for Patricia’s, praised the convenience and value of the event.
“As a buyer for a thriving adult business, attending the virtual meeting is a great way to quickly and efficiently meet with both existing and potential suppliers of merchandise,” Lozano said. “It’s also a lot of laughs and fun without the pressures of traveling.”
ECN’s Glenn LeBoeuf says that he will be attending with a focus on the latest product releases.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the new items that the manufacturers are coming out with,” he said. “Those items that really catch my interest will be the ones I’ll recommend to marketing to promote heavily.”
While coronavirus has kept the adult retail industry’s tight-knit community apart, the ANME/XBIZ show allows individuals to reconnect virtually from the comfort of their own space anywhere in the world.
“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with people I worked with at Sensually Yours and letting them know about my new position,” said Zondre Watson, the buyer from Sexy Secrets. “And, with 22 stores, I’m looking to find new products to introduce to the buyers and store managers to help us stand out. I’m also looking forward to seeing what manufacturers’ plans are as we move beyond COVID and the new future will look like for retail through the summer and fall.”
Abigail Cabrera, the senior director of buying for Lovers Stores said that participating in the upcoming ANME/XBIZ will allow the company to reconnect with vendors, see the exciting developments in the industry, as well as “source top quality products that the Lovers retail and digital customers expect,” she said.
“We are looking forward to the continued partnerships and to exploring new opportunities as we experience growth across our business and need to keep up with consumer demand,” Cabrera added.
ANME/XBIZ is the hub for establishing new deals and connections, as well as strengthening existing partnerships. Megan Swartz, the buyer from Deja Vu, Janra and Suzies Stores, says that she is looking forward to “ironing out deals with vendors we haven’t yet brought in and discussing opportunities for growth with vendors we are already working with.”
Eldorado’s Jon Vogt said that their buying team will use the ANME/XBIZ show to solidify its existing relationships with their partners as well as to explore the latest products on the market.
“We love seeing what’s new,” he said. “We are honored to be able to attend the show and see so many interesting products being introduced. We look forward to connecting with all the vendors to discuss their latest and greatest.”
Beyond business-to-business networking between vendors and buyers, ANME/XBIZ also welcomes qualified sex educators and qualified press, bloggers and social media influencers.
Due to limited space, vendors and buyers are encouraged to sign up before May 15 in order to secure their participation in the event.
Read coverage of January’s ANME/XBIZ Show here.
For event information, visit ANMEXBIZ.com or direct inquiries to anmexbiz@xbiz.com.