by IvyLee Rosario
In 2016, The Army Navy Military Expo is proud to showcase their merchandise range – it’s definitely NOT your father’s surplus store any more. “We are an order writing show focused on any kind of product you would see at an Army Navy surplus store, but it goes way beyond that because there’s no cookie cutter example of what an Army Navy store is today,” explains David Castlegrant, Show Manager. “Back in the day, an Army Navy store strictly sold US surplus, but that’s hardly the case anymore. Surplus is just one small segment, and typically the stores are specializing in a variety of products, including anything from men’s clothing to work clothing for men and women, work shoes, boots, and much more.”
Traditionally, surplus merchandise has always been a strong seller for flea market and swap meet vendors. The wide array of products available to vendors provides appeal to a large shopper base. “If any merchant out there is selling anything for an outdoor product, men’s work product, hardware, men’s fashion, typically selling to a male consumer, then they should take a look at our show,” adds Castlegrant. “The surplus gear and the military gear is no longer a huge section. Many stores have morphed, carrying more products for working men, outdoorsmen, working women too, and blue collar products. Anybody can do it. If you wanted to sell military or patriotic themed products — t-shirts, hats, pins, patches — you can get into it with a little at a time.”
The Army Navy Military Expo will take place at the Las Vegas, NV, Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino from January 17-19, 2016. The Expo is expecting approximately 170 exhibitors filling 260 show floor booths and over 2,500 merchandise buyers. With the continued growth of the outdoor and sporting goods industry, the Expo has seen a retention rate of almost 90% in their attendance, including 53 countries being represented last year alone.
Before heading over to the show, Castlegrant recommends buyers pre-plan by checking out the website, www.anmexpo.com for a full exhibitor listing that offers links to each wholesaler’s website, helping buyers map out exactly what products they want to see or purchase. Buyers can also sign up for an email blast in which they will be notified of special promotions or deals every Monday, that will be offered by the exhibitors at the show. “We like to take care of our buyers and exhibitors as best we can,” says Castlegrant. “If they book their room through us we waive their resort fee, we offer specially priced room blocks, free lunches on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and we have a cocktail party on Sunday night.”
Castlegrant says the Army Navy Expo takes pride in making attendees feel welcome, whether it be through special offers or the atmosphere of the show itself. “It’s got an intimate ambiance to it. We know a lot of people by first name and these aren’t thousands of faceless or nameless people just occupying space. We welcome people with open arms and are extremely focused on the service element of the show.”
For more information on the show and to register for the January event, please visit www.anmexpo.com.
Army Navy Military Expo
703 Grand River Avenue
Brighton, MI 48116
Tel: 810-225-9801
Website: www.anmexpo.com