Retailers at MAGIC see thin silver lining - MAGIC International apparel show

Discount Store News, Sept 18, 1995 by James Mammarella

* New public school voluntary uniform policies are boosting sales of white shirts arid blouses, black slacks and skirts at Wal-Mart, Target and other chains.

* Scholastic Productions licensed M. Hidary & Co. to make Goosebumps boys' size 4 to 20 sportswear and swimwear. The popular kids' book series debuts as a TV series this fall on Fox. Scholastic also licensed Fruit of the Loom to create undergarments with art from "The Magic Schoolbus' (a book and PBS animated series).

* Celebrity appearances included Charlotte Hornets star Muggsy Bogues for X-AM Jeans and 1994 Olympic Gold figure skater Oksana Baiul for Riders.

While the atavistic chant of "no newness, no freshness" was heard from various corners of the show, many exhibitors' booths were buzzing with activity. Mass merchants who took the time to peruse the newly expanded 90,000-sq.-ft. Designers Pavilion came away with a more informed view of the direction in apparel overall.

Kearse summed up the impressions of more than a few retailers when he said, "We really have to applaud the energy and effort that MAGIC put into that show, bringing the whole menswear industry together."