Fashion Fix Just Around the Corner debuts at Manchester Central

Buyers braved snow and sub-zero temperatures last month to attend the latest edition of Just Around the Corner (JATC) Manchester. Taking place at the city’s historical Manchester Central venue for the first time, there was an upbeat atmosphere as retailers and exhibitors looked forward to the new season ahead.

Over 80 brands unveiled their AW23 collections at the show including womenswear labels B.Young, Black Colour DK, Grace and Mila, Ichi, Lily and Me, Soaked in Luxury, Sugarhill Brighton and Traffic People. Further cementing JATC’s position as an order-writing exhibition, organisers also introduced a new discount incentive for buyers this season on orders placed with participating brands.

Organiser Juls Dawson says he was pleased with visitor numbers, which were “in line with last season” despite the cold snap. He says: “The new venue received bundles of praise from exhibitors and visitors alike; it’s full of industrial charm and a dream to set up in and visit. There is plenty of space to grow for future shows and we will definitely be back in July.

“We only expect the future Northern editions of JATC to continue to grow. We already have plans for SS24 to roll out our new Lifestyle and Beauty section in Manchester, which debuted in London in February, as many of the categories in this zone don’t have a trade platform in the North."

JATC offers visitors a “buyerfriendly environment,” serving free barista coffee and hot drinks to attendees with pastries and complimentary lunches from street vendors. This season buyers warmed themselves up with cheese toasties and sides of slaw washed down with hot cups of coffee.

Sue Jackson, founder of online fashion boutique Studio 12, said she really enjoyed visiting the show: “There was a superb laidback atmosphere with cool music, great food and drink (always a bonus when energy levels are waning) and an eclectic mix of brands. The Spanish brand I picked up was well worth the trip alone.”

Meanwhile, Tara Knapp at Australia Luxe Collective said the brand was really pleased with the overall experience: “We’ve previously been to the London JATC show and were hoping Manchester would be great for seeing Scottish and Northern boutiques - it has not disappointed. As a brand we like the straightforward no fuss approach. It’s so refreshing and there’s such a nice vibe!”

First launched in 2020, JATC is the UK’s only multi-gender fashion and lifestyle trade show held in two separate locations. Its sell-out London edition took place at The Truman Brewery on Brick Lane from 8-9 February, attracting a record number of visitors.