The Texas Remainder Expo, affectionately known as T*Rex, will hold its fifth show September 24–26 in Carrollton, Tex. Hosted by Texas Bookman, the wholesale division of Half Price Books, T*Rex anticipates 35 exhibitors and approximately 150 buyers at this year's show.
T*Rex has seen exponential growth since its inception, which is particularly notable given the absence of the Chicago International Remainder and Overstock Book Exposition, which hasn't been held since 2019. Crystal Reyes, director of Texas Bookman, said that the show "has quickly established itself as the place buyers can find a tremendous selection of reasonably priced backlist, remainder, bargain books, and gift items to help build a strong product selection for the holiday season."
T*Rex showcases a wide range of products, from remainders and overstocks to bargain books and sidelines. James Palmer, acquisition director for Half Price Books, noted that, in particular, "the metaphysics and esoteric area has really gotten hugely popular as we've continued the show."
The has also also attracted a diverse group of exhibitors. Returning companies include 66 Books Ltd., Books for Less, Book Depot, and HarperCollins Christian Publishing. New exhibitors include Designer Greetings and Spice Box.
One interesting trend at the show has been the increasing popularity of Chinese-bound books, with Palmer citing Amber Books as the publisher and packager that has most popularized the format. These books, characterized by visible stitching, have gained traction in the market over the past decade, Palmer said, offering a distinct and lux presentation in comparison with traditionally bound books.
In an age of commonplace digital transaction, T*Rex underscores the enduring value of in-person book fairs. "Although it's effective and we can buy off lists and everything, at the end of the day, we're all book people, and nothing replaces being able to touch and feel the book," Reyes explained. "Nothing replaces that in-person relationship that you can build with your sales reps and buyers either."
Palmer added that this emphasis on personal interaction is what sets T*Rex apart in an increasingly digital marketplace. "More ideas can happen in person," he said. "It sparks more concepts, ideas, collaborations, and feedback that you wouldn't get normally."
The show organizers are making a concerted effort to attract independent booksellers to this year's expo, offering them an opportunity to boost their profit margins. "We're trying to get independents to come and learn that they can really add more profit to their bottom line by carrying backlist from remainders, or even looking at bargain options," Palmer said.
To make attendance as accessible as possible, the organizers are providing meals to attendees, allowing them to focus on business without interruption. "We want to make it as easy for them and as cheap for them as possible to attend, so they can get the most profit out of whatever they buy," Palmer explained.
Richard Roberts of Book Country Clearing House, an exhibitor from the start, said that the expo's work has been paying off. "T*Rex provides the book buyer and seller an unmatched environment for browsing, marketing and selling just about every genre of literature, all at bargain prices," he said. "T*Rex, in our opinion, is the show for bargain book sellers."
