Here’s the thing. The economy stinks (like you needed a reminder…?). That means there are a few folks opting out of NSS this year that would otherwise attend. Buyers, vendors, sales reps. You know–the usual crowd.
I think you should skip it too.
Retailers, your competition’s having a tough time, feeling the same pressure you are to provide an upbeat atmosphere with great products and creative displays. Knowing that it’s all about helping one another through difficult times, the best way to be a good neighbor is to stay home. You’ll give other stores a jump on finding new lines, opening new accounts, and devising new displays. With the number of first time vendors this year, that would be a big breath of fresh air for anyone trying to get the upper hand. Trust me. They’ll thank you for it.
And speaking of vendors…you’d be doing a huge favor for both exhibitors and buyers by staying home. The former would be nothing short of buoyant at the thought of replacing you on store shelves. The latter would revel in the freedom of not being torn between reordering from the same company again versus picking up enticing product from companies they haven’t tried yet. It’s a win-win.
Besides, what better way to help all these new exhibitors than by stepping aside? With buyers constantly on the hunt for fresh lines to replace things they’ve carried before, your decision to stay home would help everyone turn a new leaf. Giving these hungry entrants to the market a shot at filling what used to be your shelf space is beyond generous.
Missing NSS this year–regardless of which badge you wear–would be the greatest gift you could give your competition.
So…scared yet? You ought to be.
Here to stay, or M.I.A.? Time to pick a camp then stick with it.
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Great post! I am in the “here to stay” camp. In fact, I just got a great deal on airfare to NY on Travelocity ~ RT from Charlotte to NY for $128! I’m really looking forward to it. It’s time to get excited!
Touche! I do hope that readers catch the drift, so to speak. Sometimes though, it is almost impossible to justify the show when you are under pressure to cut costs and vendors will send a rep to your door and you can do on-line ordering and visit Etsy every now and again.
That being said, attending a show is the ONLY way to get first hand information and visualization of what is happening across the horizon. It is one thing to know what one vendor is introducing, it is another entirely to see that either they are the only ones (early trend-setter?) or it is a full blown trend that you are unaware of at this point.
In gift and home accessories the choices for markets and shows is so much larger than Stationery. If I were a Stationer, I would already have my seat reserved and be planning at which end of 5th Ave I would be dining after hours!!
Well said!
We’ll be there for sure! Booth 3327. Stop by for Monday Morning Mimosas (Monday morning, of course).
With planning, it’s easy to do the NY shows on a budget. Exhibitors usually have to be in NYC for an entire week — (2 days of setup+show+break down). It’s a long time, but a necessary part of doing business. We are also participating in a Daily Demo on the show floor with Greetings, Etc Magazine…stop by! Tuesday May 19th at 11:30 a.m. : Creating Eco Friendly Invites & Favors. Looking forward to it, packed lunches and all!
Here to stay! This will be our 6th year exhibiting at NSS and it still is one of the best ways for us to meet buyers that have success with our product line. If you’re serious about trends in the gift & stationery industry – or even trends in design and color in general – this show should not be missed – buyers, vendors and designers alike! Stop by our booth #2041 – we’re excited about the new products we’ll be debuting at the show!
Here for the first time and ready to stay!! Looking forward to debuting our line at the show and meeting like-minded creative folks. We’re in booth #2070, see you there!
This will be our second year exhibiting and we’re just as excited as ever!
The show provides wonderful networking opportunities for anyone in the
industry and is the must-attend event of the year. Come see us at Booth 2955! – Emily and Mary Ann
This will be my first year at the show and I am sooooo excited! While things are tough, I can’t imagine not participating in the event. Come on by and check out my booth: 1964! See y’all there!