tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.comments2009-10-15T15:52:12.156-07:00give.invite.gather.hen and barley presshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15064836244852186980noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-64097325644872564532009-10-15T15:52:12.156-07:002009-10-15T15:52:12.156-07:00really, really great post jenny! so insightful!really, really great post jenny! so insightful!marzihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11605604204483443069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-20627752201701150762009-09-30T18:50:56.101-07:002009-09-30T18:50:56.101-07:00Actually, I think the white chick chili I've m...Actually, I think the white chick chili I've made is off of a busch's can. Such a good in a hurry meal!Tracy (Paper + Ink Designs)http://www.paperinkdesigns.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-66325993223279336302009-09-30T18:48:19.565-07:002009-09-30T18:48:19.565-07:00I love circa lighting. such a cool store. and i&...I love circa lighting. such a cool store. and i've make that very same white bean chili recipe off the can. so easy and so good!Tracy (Paper + Ink Designs)http://www.paperinkdesigns.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-52528971213890180732009-09-15T13:05:05.345-07:002009-09-15T13:05:05.345-07:00I want to play! Will email you...I want to play! Will email you...Haile McCollumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02688769905708863919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-33458599983941368732009-07-07T19:41:55.873-07:002009-07-07T19:41:55.873-07:00so cute! the large round stickers are our favorit...so cute! the large round stickers are our favorite!Grove Gal Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18228028007081191322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-14302299471994636962009-07-02T18:51:29.303-07:002009-07-02T18:51:29.303-07:00What a great idea! Love "her" and look ...What a great idea! Love "her" and look forward to meeting the rest of "the girls."Cynhttp://www.riverdogprints.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-78291351073427281792009-07-01T10:47:08.995-07:002009-07-01T10:47:08.995-07:00Love, love. love the calendars! What a great idea,...Love, love. love the calendars! What a great idea, too--let the kids make them their own. Thanks for keeping us up to date on your great new products. Can't wait to see what's next!Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-4882686846699533112009-06-05T13:28:44.764-07:002009-06-05T13:28:44.764-07:00All so cute! So LOVING demby's stickers!All so cute! So LOVING demby's stickers!tracyhttp://www.paperinkdesigns.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-5850142728501587332009-06-05T09:26:35.610-07:002009-06-05T09:26:35.610-07:00thanks for the shout out jenny! can't wait to ...thanks for the shout out jenny! can't wait to see the other goodies you post!marzihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11605604204483443069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-33677504998941842232009-06-03T05:52:22.395-07:002009-06-03T05:52:22.395-07:00I wish I had more time to comment, because I have ...I wish I had more time to comment, because I have a lot of thoughts to share, but not a lot of time. I will say this, though, I am a retailer in NC with a fairly small boutique. I have chosen to appeal to the masses by offering a large variety of products in my store rather than specializing in any ONE thing (i.e. stationary, jewelry, home accents, etc.) I am not sure I could survive in this economy if I limited myself to any "one thing". I attend the Atlanta market in Jan. and July, and feel it is INVALUABLE to my business. I am able to stay on top of current trends, and since it is a general market, I am able to see everything the gift industry has to offer. As a small business owner, I would never be able to justify going to a industry-specific show (stationary, toys, etc.) if it involved significant travel expenses. I go to Atlanta because it is close enough to drive to, and if you don't stay downtown, it is a relatively inexpensive trip. Over half of my trade-lines have been a result of seeing the product at market, or otherwise I wouldn't even know they existed. Now, I will say this: I don't always write orders at market, simply because it is too overwhelming! Usually the show-specials are not so great that it warrants me making a hasty decision. Since I only have a few days at market, and there is so much to see, I like to collect the information, make notes, and review everything for a few days to make sure I am making the right decisions on BIG orders... I don't like to be rushed. I may write a few small orders at market, but typically nothing over $400-$500. But, I hold onto the catalogues and notes for a LONG time, and refer back to them often. If I liked a line, but didn't have the money to order it immediately after the show, I will definitely order it down the road. I really appreciate my vendors taking the time, and absorbing the cost, of exhibiting, and I am always disappointed when I don't see one of my vendors at market.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-77384299443156297442009-06-02T14:36:48.220-07:002009-06-02T14:36:48.220-07:00I have attended each year since I opened the store...I have attended each year since I opened the store and I agree with Hen and Barley that the trade shows less of a buying/selling opportunity, and more of a marketing/networking opportunity. I do feel that it is important for me to be there and meet the wonderful vendors who have taken the trouble to be there and to find new products for the store. I do not hold it against anyone who has chosen not to attend. The amount of work and expense involved is a big commitment and putting myself in their place, I could never presume that everyone should attend to get my business. I will always stay with any vendor that has a product that fits my store and has integrity and good customer service. I would though love to see the show in a more central location like Chicago or Dallas because it would be interesting to see if that would bring more vendors.Vickihttp://www.paperandchocolate.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-49474659313619223042009-06-02T13:58:59.547-07:002009-06-02T13:58:59.547-07:00When I attend a tradeshow as a buyer and I give a ...When I attend a tradeshow as a buyer and I give a somebody in a booth my business card, I expect to be added to an email list. Too many vendors don't follow up. I congratulate all of you for offering wonderful customer service by following up (especially so quickly after the show!) and offering those who couldn't attend a show special.<br /><br />Customer service is key and you nailed it.Sandra Began - MyWares.com Founderhttp://www.mywares.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-55665528604751177262009-06-02T12:58:15.137-07:002009-06-02T12:58:15.137-07:00Lisa & Sarah, it is so great to hear from reta...Lisa & Sarah, it is so great to hear from retailers on this, and you both bring up a great point--trade shows are very expensive for retailers, too. From the comments thus far, it sounds like everyone WANTS to attend shows like NSS, but there is a time/money/value issue that affects us all.hen and barley presshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15064836244852186980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-22798184205116581882009-06-02T12:38:05.440-07:002009-06-02T12:38:05.440-07:00As a buyer, I decided only to attend the Boston Gi...As a buyer, I decided only to attend the Boston Gift Show this year because it's local. I only have one emplyee working part-time and it is very difficult for me to get away for a large chunk of time, not to mention costly. I have done most of my buying through sales reps or through the companies directly. The one thing that I think I miss out on is the opportunity to find new companies. In future years I will hopefully be able to attend other big shows to both find new companies and have more personal interaction with designers.<br /><br />From a retailer's perspective, I love it when my companies offer a show special as long as the order is placed during show times, even if you're not physically there. Email has also proven to be very useful for keeping in touch with new products and specials so I don't feel completely cut off by not attending a show.Sarah_Nobleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04267041788869976430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-398396677841497902009-06-02T12:11:08.999-07:002009-06-02T12:11:08.999-07:00Just to clarify, I think it's great that those who...Just to clarify, I think it's great that those who could afford to exhibit did it, and that those who could afford to attend and buy did also. Truly, the NSS is a great show and we need to sustain it in tough times so it will continue to thrive in the coming years. The group booth idea seems to be a great one for economies of scale so I'm glad that was successful for the Fresh Bunch. In past years, there was some smart collaboration with member companies of the ISA, but that seems to be declining. This year's predicament may re-open the issue of relocating the show to a more site neutral and affordable location (ie., Las Vegas or Chicago)...I personally would highly advocate that.Lisa Traylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04813239332041032929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-38114705358026124752009-06-02T12:06:33.670-07:002009-06-02T12:06:33.670-07:00Lisa, thanks for your comments. That is a really ...Lisa, thanks for your comments. That is a really interesting perspective. It makes me wonder about the long term effect the current economy will have on the trade shows in our industry. As I said above, our experience has been that there is a shift taking place, making trade shows less of a buying/selling opportunity, and more of a marketing/networking opportunity. For that experience, for us, going in as budget friendly a manner as possible is the only way.hen and barley presshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15064836244852186980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-11778189871154794442009-06-02T11:56:27.967-07:002009-06-02T11:56:27.967-07:00Interesting that some would negatively perceive a ...Interesting that some would negatively perceive a buyer who didn't come to NSS in '09. I actually wonder about the viability of the ones who chose to go. For us traveling to NY from California, the time lost and expense spent is huge. A few years ago when the economy was strong, I did speculate a bit about major lines that chose not to exhibit, believing them to be missing the key event of the year in this industry and knowing their absense causes them to fall down our buying priority list. This year, I truly wonder about the decision process for some lines who DID exhibit, some in bigger ways and booths than before. I hope they got a lot of new accounts, because that's the only measurable stat that counts.Lisa Traylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04813239332041032929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-34103601647469539842009-06-02T11:37:58.555-07:002009-06-02T11:37:58.555-07:00Wow...I didn't realize the negativity currently go...Wow...I didn't realize the negativity currently going on. Jenny - sorry to hear you've received the brunt of someone's misguided frustration, but this is probably symptomatic of many of us feeling the economic pressure and being somewhat stymied about how to succeed from here. <br /><br />This is our 8th year in business and this is the 1st NSS I've missed. The decision not to go was a combination of personal schedule conflicts and a dire economy. I decided our scarce resources would be better invested in capital investments than in travel. I sent a note in advance of the show to our top tier lines advising that we wouldn't be going but that we'd like to see their release and take advantage of specials they're offering. Almost all graciously responded with great understanding; many weren't exhibiting for the first time themselves. Others were surprisingly arrogant. Frankly, companies who aren't seeking to pursue creative and cooperative partnerships with us during these challenging times are not going to be high on my buy list.<br /><br />At previous shows, I really made an effort to politely decline taking catalogs or collateral from booths/lines where I didn't see a good fit. Not that I didn't personally appreciate the art, or quality, or marketability of a product...but sometimes certain lines just don't fit or present themselves well within the "look" or feel of our store and site. Some staff were very persistent about trading business cards before they'd let me even pick up a catalog to see pricing. I'd caution mfrs. against focusing too much on quantity of leads picked up vs. the quality of legitimate prospects they should pursue. If I take the voluntary step of hand-signing up for your mailing list (or stapling my card to a sign-up, or dropping it in a marked box), you can be pretty assured I'm interested. If you take my card in a trade, it's not a sure bet.<br /><br />E-mail is a fairly safe way to contact us in follow up. I will generally look at imbedded images, or click on your web link and make a quick assessment. I'd advise you to please not call on the phone unless we've had a memorable conversation or we pursued you. I don't mind receiving paper catalogs and samples, particularly if your stock or printing process or embellishments differentiate you from the masses. Just be aware that the more prominent stores and online retailers like us are deluged daily with lines trying to get picked up. New lines have to strain down through a few filters before we decide to take the risk and they generally need to fill a void or need. Having cooperative vendors who lower minimums, or offer free freight or exchangeability, help reduce that risk. A huge incentive right now to those of us online is having vendors with drop-ship ability.Lisa Traylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04813239332041032929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-15360343999077690562009-06-02T10:42:39.239-07:002009-06-02T10:42:39.239-07:00We've never had minimum orders, and I think that s...We've never had minimum orders, and I think that smaller stores especially appreciate the ability to "get their feet wet" before jumping in whole-hog. We're also starting a line of charity cards, where a portion of the proceeds go to a specific cause. I think consumers are happy when their dollar can do a little more, work a little harder.Carrie S.http://www.twotrickpony.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-51019646231213752272009-06-02T10:25:42.165-07:002009-06-02T10:25:42.165-07:00Absolutely agree. We're all doing our best to surv...Absolutely agree. We're all doing our best to survive and even grow. We are all in this together. If for any reason at all, a buyer or an exhibitor ever feels that it's best to skip a show, we should all understand. The days away from the store, the studio, or the office are sometimes not possible - the expense of visiting or exhibiting is high. Sometimes the best thing is to not to travel, but to connect and communicate in other ways.evyhttp://www.evyjacob.com/index.php?main_page=wordpressnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-64697742345933083232009-06-02T10:04:45.905-07:002009-06-02T10:04:45.905-07:00We're just embracing being flexible in as many way...We're just embracing being flexible in as many ways as we can. We've waived minimums for current dealers who are picking up newly launched products. And when we look at the roster of new products we intend to roll out over the course of this year and next, we've shifted all the lower-cost items to be the priority so consumers can treat themselves to something low-cost that still makes them feel good. And, parallel to that we're developing ways to make lines inexpensive for a dealer to bring in, so they can make back their investment in a single order. <br /><br />We're also truly open to listening - we want to hear from our stores if they have an idea for a promotion, and we want their feedback.Lysahttp://www.dembyandsolomon.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-46104250410071929112009-06-02T09:58:23.912-07:002009-06-02T09:58:23.912-07:00I agree with Erika - with the state of the world a...I agree with Erika - with the state of the world as it is, now seems like the time to accept and understand that vendors and stores are doing what it takes to survive in a vastly different economy than we were faced with even a year ago. Both sides of the industry would benefit from supporting one another. Playing the blame and judgement game breeds nothing but negativity. We made the choice to be at the NSS as part of the group booth as well, because that was what seemed the wise path this year. Because NSS is such a huge expense, it was a great way to find a happy medium between being there for our stores and to support the industry, but not being irresponsible with our marketing dollars so we can ensure we're able to flourish in down times.Lysahttp://dembyandsolomon.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-76550381537444661532009-06-02T09:12:35.724-07:002009-06-02T09:12:35.724-07:00I think everyone should do what is right for them ...I think everyone should do what is right for them and their business. This means if you're an exhibitor and the cost of a show is too uncomfortable, skip it. Same for a store. Lets face it, NSS is super pricey for both vendors and buyers. If you don't happen to have a friend to stay with in NYC, just the hotel bill alone could give someone a coronary. Remember that as exhibitors we are typically in town for more than a week! And if you have staff and need 2 or more hotel rooms ... OUCH.<br /><br />I have absolutely no hard feelings for either exhibitor or buyer who didn't show up at NSS. I don't think it's a reflection on how seriously you take your business. On the contrary, I think it shows that you are doing whatever needs to happen in order to survive these "tough" times. <br /><br />We had show specials at NSS, and while we won't give the exact same show special to a buyer who didn't come to the show, we will still do what we can (waive minimums, throw in a couple of goodies that they can resell, etc.) to thank buyers for their post/non-NSS order.Erika at delphinehttp://www.delphinepress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-65807297920181418932009-06-02T08:41:11.553-07:002009-06-02T08:41:11.553-07:00This year was my 4th year as an an exhibitor at NS...This year was my 4th year as an an exhibitor at NSS. It was also my first year in a group booth, the Fresh Bunch booth. I have only exhibited at NSS so far. There is nothing that can replace the opportunity for buyers to see the products firsthand and for buyers and designers to meet. as well as the opportunity to meet colleagues. We can all work together to succeed. I am seriously considering Atlanta and Philadelphia shows - those would be as part of group booths. I think there are pluses and minuses to both group booths and single booths - lots of things to consider.evyhttp://www.evyjacob.com/index.php?main_page=wordpressnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4013913122368210156.post-6080476127686798962009-06-02T08:36:30.274-07:002009-06-02T08:36:30.274-07:00I agree, especially in this economy, lower or no m...I agree, especially in this economy, lower or no minimums for opening orders and reorders is very appreciated by my buyers. As a manufacturer and designer, I really appreciate input from my retailers about what works for them and what doesn't. This is invaluable information that can be incorporated into our policies and future designs. Let's keep talking to each other! It works!evyhttp://www.evyjacob.com/index.php?main_page=wordpressnoreply@blogger.com