ASR and CLASS Events Create CLASS @ ASR

ASR and CLASS Events Create CLASS @ ASR

Action Sports Retailer (ASR) and CLASS Events are pleased to announce that they have entered into a licensing agreement to create a new, first of its kind trade show, CLASS @ ASR. This exclusive event debuts on September 10-12, 2009 in San Diego, CA and will run concurrently to ASR at the San Diego Convention Center.

CLASS @ ASR will feature a juried group of 100+ emerging and core crossover fashion and accessory brands such as Alphanumeric, Cpt, Design by Humans, Fiberops, Howe, Insight, Lucre Eyewear, Modern Amusement, Original Penguin, O’Quinn, Smooth Co., True Love False Idols, and WeSC. The new event’s independent setting focuses on design and experience during the trade show, versus mass-market appeal. 

“The partnership between ASR and CLASS Events creates a totally new business tool that is more than the sum of our parts,” says Andy Tompkins, ASR Group Show Director. “ASR exhibitors will benefit from an influx of boutique retail buyers that CLASS Events attracts and action sport buyers looking for new labels can bring in more variety from one stop.”

The show will attract a different segment of buyer to ASR, along with retailers that previously have supported both CLASS Events and ASR. CLASS @ ASR provides the opportunity for influential surf, skate and street designers to interact directly with premium, upscale fashion and resort boutiques that they don’t normally have access to in the action sports marketplace, revitalizing retail business in a new way.

“This is an exciting time as this takes the strengths from both CLASS Events and ASR and creates a powerful hybrid that is going to better serve the fashion apparel and action sports industries at the same time, vastly expanding our outreach, influence and vision of how business should be done,” explains Jason Bates, CEO of CLASS Events.

The show will operate with a level of social awareness, featuring progressive efforts including organic food from local farmer’s markets, recycled products, and spa treatments for retailers, to name a few. As with ASR, CLASS @ ASR is closed to the public. It will have its own entrance and registration for select retailers, as well as its own music, lighting and ambiance.

“A platform to unite fashion and action sports brands has been needed for some time,” Lane Saunders, Partner and Buyer for The Closet explains. “The high level of service and curated brand mix at the last two CLASS trade shows provided me with a very productive and inspirational business experience. Combining the strength and influence of ASR with the novelty and edginess of CLASS will create an exciting trade show that represents the California Couture style that The Closet is known for.”

Learn more about the event at classatasr.com