A few weeks ago, when it became apparent many retailers were scaling back on big market trips to opt for shows closer to home, I suspected Chicago might be one of the winners. Sure enough, instincts were correct.
There were buyers in the aisles, ready to do business, with positive attitudes and determination to survive the frustrations of 2009 (sound familiar? much like what I saw in Atlanta). Those who I spoke with had a plan…a budget…and an appreciation for vendors who wanted to work with them.
Thankfully, the vendors I spoke to echoed that appreciation for buyers who attended. Everyone recognized the head count was down, but were just as quick to note the missing bodies represented the “lookie loos” and less viable buyers. The quantity may have gone down, but the quality of buyers was most definitely up.
Which brings me to a pet peeve that began gnawing at me in Atlanta, then switched to full blown frustration in Chicago. [click here to continue…]
Planning to attend the Chicago Gift Show? Got plans for lunch on Saturday? If not, be sure to sign up for my seminar on The 3/50 Project and Social Media Marketing. We’ll be covering both topics, at a pretty brisk pace, so be sure to bring your pen and paper. It’s gonna be fun…and you’re going to be fed. Not a bad one/two deal, huh?
To register, visit the Chicago Market site, asap.
Since a lot of you are emailing to ask…I don’t know if I’ll be speaking at the New York show in August or not. Promise to let you know the moment I do. In the meantime, check The 3/50 Project Facebook page, clicking on the Events tab, to check on speaking dates coming up or visit the See Cinda page on the Always Upward website.
Congrats to Ann Fruland at the Chicago Mart, who was just transitioned into a new role with MMPI: Director of Marketing for The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair. Granted, the twice yearly consumer event will bring new challenges, but Ann can handle it. She’s a sharp cookie who’ll make things move.
Still…sure will miss you on the Gift Show side.
Final stop: Findables (1643 N. Milwaukee Avenue).
We were welcomed with open arms, this time by someone who’s been paying his dues in Chicago retail for over twenty years. David James Ginople is a vivacious, highly respected local businessman in the community, and someone who’s weathered both good times and bad. He immediately jumped right in, sharing his wisdom and enthusiasm with attendees, reminding them they can survive this crazy economy if they simply think out of the box, giving customers what they want while making sure they (the store owners) simultaneously get what they need.
After hanging on his every word, the group spread out in the store…then at the register (if you can get a roomful of store owners to open up their wallets and pay retail, well…you’re doing something really right). From terrific table top to beautiful jewelry and hats, his eclectic product mix works well. If you make it from one end of the store to the other without being seriously tempted, well, then you’re not really paying attention.
David could teach a master class on running a successful store. And on how to light up a room. And on how to best serve the customer. Pretty impressive combination, if you ask me.
Note to stores invited to be part of the Trolley Tour:
Allow participants to take pictures inside. They’re there to see and learn, and they paid money to do so. Would have been nice to feel like a welcome guest rather than a closely watched trespasser.
The Trolley Tour on Sunday night was a lot of fun, due in great part to the fact I got the coolest trolley group to ride with (figuratively, not literally, since it was about 100 degrees in the front part of the car where windows refused to open). We had fun.
So…to the stores on the tour. First stop: Smitten (1041 W. Madison Street).
This fairly new endeavor on the Near West side of Chicago is geared toward engaged couples looking for one stop shopping as they create the wedding of their dreams. From bejeweled frames to cute attendant gift ideas, their offerings were lovely; the atmosphere of the store is a cross between Paris chic and warehouse hip, with white painted brick walls, a massive black chandelier, and French doors that open from the back into what will soon be a refreshing garden area.
Private consult rooms are set off the main floor, which is a bright idea–but not based on light level. In the words of a nearby tour member peering into the small, decidedly dark rooms decked out in black and white, they’re “kind of depressing.”
The attitude, however, was sunburst brilliant, as the owner, Kirstin (last name?) welcomed us with open arms. Undaunted by clicking cameras and a barrage of questions, she showed us all what retail hospitality is about.
If they bring in a solid selection of wedding invitation lines, this little gem could turn out to be one big, multi-carat diamond. So far, so good.
To the retailers who attended my “Speed Networking” session on Sunday:
You guys rock. Big time.
It was my first fully interactive gig (as well as the first time I’ve allowed someone else to name the theme), which had the butterflies in my stomach flapping like mad over breakfast that day. As I told Mom, “Either this will work spectacularly, or it will bomb spectacularly. We’ll know in the first five minutes.”
Thankfully, you guys went with option A…and continued to do so for about an hour after the session officially ended. Felt like a proud parent on graduation day.
So…keep it rockin’ folks. You truly are someone’s Go To Guru* and the apple of my eye.
*If you were there, you know. If you weren’t, well…shoulda been.
Holy cow, this is gonna be great.
Just found out the Power Lunch session I’m hosting at noon will probably be sold out, now that on-site registrations are factoring in. As buyers tighten their travel budgets, there’s no question the regional markets are holding their own.
The session title is “Speed Networking.” Needless to say, with a moniker like that, it’s going to be fast paced, fun, and a little fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants entertaining. Honestly, I can’t wait, having never tried this format before.
A “Strategies for Challenging Times” Forum later that day combines me, Carol Schroeder, and Tom Ungrodt (all charter members of the GHTA Retail Advisory Board). Tom will cover managing your cash flow investment; Carol will get into trimming your expenses and overhead; my segment’s about paring down your inventory to a cleaner, meaner mix, then dealing with what I call “Psych Marketing 101.”
If you’re in either (or both), be sure to say hello.
Photo credit: Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
