SHOPPERS at the Clothes Show Live at the NEC spent more than £20 million in six days, it was revealed today.
The UK’s largest fashion and beauty show came to a close on Wednesday with organisers saying they were overwhelmed by the number of visitors.
Despite predictions that sales figures would drop this year as the recession continued to bite, show organisers said the total sales figure is set to match last year.
And some designers said queues at their stalls became so long that they had to re-order stock on numerous occasions.
Fashion brand Superdry had to order extra supplies after selling out of some of their edgier products. Gavin Brown, Managing Director of Clothes Show Live, said that the figures showed a robust consumer appetite.
He said: “Clothes Show Live demonstrates the public appetite for fashion and beauty.
“In its 21st year, it continues to be the most successful fashion event in the world.
“With the £20 million plus spent at this year’s show, there is a strong indication that the recession is at last coming to an end.”
The show saw a host of celebrities on the main stage including Dave Berry, George Lamb and Fearne Cotton.
On Sunday, the NEC was at maximum capacity as thousands flocked to see the UK’s favourite fashion expert, Gok Wan.
The presenter of How To Look Good Naked delivered a series of intimate question and answer sessions on the hair and beauty stage before signing copies of his new book.
Show organisers said that the high sales and footfall showed that offering a package of shopping, live catwalk shows and unique in-show features made the event the ultimate girls’ day out.
And the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce said that as long as the show remained successful it could only benefit the region.
A spokesman for the Chamber said: “If the Clothes Show Live is continuing to make huge amounts of money then it means it is likely it will come back to the region in future years.
“It is a surprise that £20 million has been spent when we are led to believe people are curbing their spending habits.”
