Will you be attending the ABC Spring Show in May?
Retail advisory board members share their thoughts on ABC's spring event and what's selling right now
-- Kids Today, 5/1/2009 12:00:00 AM
Phil Wrzesinski, Toy House & Baby Too
Yes, I am never too old, too experienced or too profitable to stop learning. I am looking forward to the presentations and guest speakers. More often than not I come away with ideas that make me far more money than I spent. I am also looking forward to a small, intimate trade show where I can spend quality time with vendors, rather than the rushed, gotta-get-through-it-all, feeling of the gigantic September show.
Joni McConnell, Lone Star Baby & Kids
Of course we will be there! We look forward to continuing our education, reviewing product with our vendors in a quieter environment than the big ABC show in September and networking with our counterparts.
Maxine Guerrera, Rattles & Rhymes
We are planning on attending the ABC mini show. Since the show is in Kentucky, it will be centrally located for several states. The lineup of educational speakers is dynamic. I have to agree with Phil, you're never too old or too smart to keep learning. Successful retailers constantly challenge themselves to get to the next level.
Dave Laub, Room to Grow
I will definitely be attending. Any time I have an opportunity to see new product, talk to my vendors face to face, and maybe learn something new I will surely do that. As I review the vendor list I am very disappointed to see certain (many) vendors on the list. This show/conference is being promoted as being specifically for the specialty stores. The vendor list contains many vendors whose primary focus is to sell to the mass merchants. It is extremely disappointing to hear the ABC board and show management talk about doing something for the specialty stores and then fill the show with mass merchant vendors. I surely do not want to offend those vendors who do concentrate on the specialty stores. I offer my sincerest thank you to those vendors who do.
Doug Tritton, Stork Land
You bet we will be there! It has never been more important than now for independent juvenile specialty stores to have their own opportunity to work one on one with key vendors that support our portion of this industry. Several manufacturers have already notified us that they will be showing new product so we get a jump on the masses. Plus with this show's format, there will be time for networking with fellow retailers, which has been a vital asset to our business. This will also be a good time for anyone interested in joining a buying group to do their research and join.
Ali Wing, Giggle
Yes. Going with the view of seeing what it's all about.
Mainstream media reports consumers aren't shopping, but obviously they still need things for their children. What items are selling well for you right now?
Wrzesinski: We are seeing a significant trend that should be of concern for anyone who sells juvenile products. Customers are quicker to recycle old products rather than purchase new. They are making do without some of the convenience products that have helped parents the last decade, but that their own parents didn't use. Customers are still shopping, but only for what they perceive to be a necessity or need. Many of our customers are buying a crib and bedding but using an old dresser. We are seeing more and more customers choosing to reuse car seats and strollers. Feeding accessories are strong, but high chairs are being passed down, borrowed or bought used. The biggest question our customers are asking is, "Why do I really need this?" If we cannot answer that question, they aren't buying.
McConnell: More affordably priced cribs and strollers are growing categories for us.
Wing: Utility items are as strong a they have ever been — car seats, carriers, high chairs, feeding supplies, nursing supplies, etc., confirming the notion that baby products have significant "must-have" demand.
Laub: Despite what my retailer friends outside of this industry think, the juvenile business is not recession-proof. Grandparents that would pay for the whole nursery before, now may just offer to buy the bed. More people are using layaway to spread their payment. Also, it seems like everybody has seen the money talk shows where they tell consumers to never accept a store's price. But that can really work to the positive because it gets the customer telling you that they are interested and ready to finalize a sale. Business does seem to be picking back up after the sluggish start of '09 so here's to happy selling!
Guerrera: Currently the consumer is shopping for the necessities. They are aware of quality and demand the best service and pricing. We find they are shopping around more and not just relying on a one stop shop for everything.
Visit kidstodayonline.com to see how retailers answered the question, "How's business?"
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