The Copenhagen connection: Scaling community & wholesale at Mandatory

A look back at NuORDER by Lightspeed’s fourth collaboration with Mandatory—centered on buyer-first formats and connections that outlast the trade floor.

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NuORDER by Lightspeed returned to Copenhagen for its fourth consecutive collaboration with Mandatory, continuing a partnership built around a shared, buyer-first approach to wholesale. Set against the creative backdrop of Øksnehallen, Mandatory once again brought together fashion, culture, music, food, and design, creating an environment where brands and buyers could meet, work, and engage in conversations beyond the pace of order writing.

The collaboration highlights how NuORDER supports daily wholesale activity by stripping away administrative friction. By reducing manual tasks, the platform allows brands and buyers to prioritize in-person interactions and relationship-building.

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The Nordic perspective

The energy of Copenhagen in the winter is palpable. For the Nordic market, this edition is often the main event, favored by the industry for its focus on in-season collections and the region’s famously reliable delivery cycles. It’s more than just a look; there’s a real sense of purpose here, especially when it comes to sustainability and creative focus. For international buyers, the draw is simple: they’re looking for that rare sweet spot where inspired design meets a business model that actually delivers.

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Alongside the main trade event, NuORDER and Mandatory hosted an intimate breakfast for buyers. This curated moment offered a change of rhythm, allowing for peer-to-peer exchange and highlighting the value of intentional gatherings within the busy industry calendar.

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“This partnership is helping build deeper connections and bringing together a network that is actively shaping the future of wholesale.”

—Clara Leone, Co-Founder of Mandatory

Mandatory 2026 saw strong participation from global buyers, brands, and industry decision-makers, reinforcing its position as a premiere event for buyer-first wholesale. Through on-site activations and continued collaboration, Mandatory and NuORDER are strengthening a community where wholesale is shaped by clarity, relationship-driven commerce, and long-term engagement.

For retailers looking to bring that same sense of clarity and confidence to their own buying season, our assortment tools are built to help.