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The first Western Apparel & Tack-Texas event, produced by Tully Markets LLC, premiered at the Fort Worth Convention Center Aug. 9-11. The market showcased traditional Western wear and equipment from many of the country’s top Western and tack manufacturers. Although the official numbers are not yet available, Tack ’n Togs estimates that about 230 booths were filled with merchandise, with a steady flow of buyer traffic each day of the show.
The show offered exhibitors the chance to participate in a Product Innovations table, and offered other extras that Tully Markets have become known for such as complimentary continental breakfast, a shoe shine station, a Saturday night Texas Barbecue, cowboy chapel on Sunday morning and an exhibitor give-away of a free booth for the February 2009 show.
Tully began his company’s Western & English Atlanta show two years ago. He has received increasing numbers of requests since starting that show to produce a similar event in Texas. The area has lacked a market devoted specifically to Western products since the Dallas Market Center moved its event into the World Trade Center, providing space for Western manufacturers mostly in temporary booths on part of the 12th floor. Tully, a sales representative in the equine industry for nearly 40 years, got the message from other reps and manufacturers that a show devoted to the Western industry was needed and wanted in Texas.
WAT-Texas shows will run each January and August at the Fort Worth Convention Center. It is open to buyers of any legitimate retail establishment desiring to purchase wholesale products for resale in their respective stores, and draws retailers from throughout Texas and beyond. For more information, visit www.tullymarkets.com. | 
