ABC's move to Louisville draws mixed reaction
Jane Kitchen , Tanya Merritte -- Kids Today, 11/8/2011 5:51:26 AM
Members of the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau and the ABC board watch as ABC President Larry Schur cuts the ceremonial ribbon to open the show.
Louisville - The 9th annual All Baby and Child Expo got under way here last month, with opening ceremonies that included a traditional horse country bugle player serenading showgoers with a rendition of "My Old Kentucky Home," followed by an official ribbon-cutting.
With a move from Las Vegas to Louisville this year, many were anxious to see how attendance turned out, and worried that West Coast stores might skip the cross-country flight.
Larry Schur, president and show director, said there were 11,000 people pre-registered for the show, down slightly from a peak last year of 14,000, but he expected on-site registration to bump that number up a bit. Final attendance numbers were not available as of press time.
"We've picked up attendance from the Midwest and the East Coast, and we've lost attendance from California," said Schur.
MDB’s new Franklin & Ben line got rave reviews at the show, particularly this new traditional styled crib.
Most buyers Kids Today talked to liked the layout of the show, with all exhibitors on one floor and products organized by category.
"It's easier to compare apples to apples," said Anne McGaha, buyer for Wichita Falls, Texas-based Storkland. "I can see all the same things together and make my decisions."
Many exhibitors were also pleased with the building and the buyers they saw.
"We thought the lighting was far superior, the facility is beautiful, and everything is cleaner," said Geoff Jackson, president of Bolton Furniture. "The presentations by exhibitors were the nicest I've seen, and I liked the way it was laid out. I think ABC has outdone itself."
Kevin Walker, president of furniture manufacturer Creations Baby, said he had a good flow of traffic and great reactions to his new products.
Summersault’s Gridlock collection features fashion-forward colors and a sharp price point of $149.
"We're writing orders, and that's what we're here for," said Walker.
Michael Sumergrade, president of bedding manufacturer Sumersault, echoed that sentiment.
"It's quality, not quantity," said Sumergrade. "We've had great quality buyers. In addition to that, we've had an opportunity to get a lot of business from international clients."
Keith Schneider, senior vice president of PEM America, said while he stayed downtown and found things to do and great restaurants, there were not as many sidetracks as in Las Vegas - a positive thing in his mind.
"I like that everyone focused on business while they were here," he said. "ABC did a good job."
Max Guerrera, owner of Athens, Ga.-based retail store Rattles & Rhymes, was impressed with the mood at the show.
"Considering business is pretty sluggish for people, people are really up," she said.
But still, there was the issue of accessibility. While many worried that some buyers, especially the international and West Coast 
The Diya collection is part of Munire’s American-made, solid wood Eschelon division.
contingents, would opt out of the show because of the number of flights required to get to Louisville, others who did come had problems making it in to (or out of) the Louisville airport on time.
"For the international customer, it's very difficult to get here," said Terry Garcia Villamil, a representative for GV Sales Group in Doral, Fla. "Louisville is beautiful, and I had some great dinners here, but it's not accessible from many locations."
Turnout was an issue for many. "Traffic is extremely slow," said Susie Grant, owner of accessory manufacturer Swankie Blankie. "I think the location change has had a huge impact on the number of customers attending. A lot of my customers said they're going to Atlanta or Dallas (gift markets) instead."
As attendees look ahead to 2012, there's one more hurdle on the horizon for many attendees: ABC's fall 2012 dates coincide directly with the High Point furniture market.
"We're conflicted with what to do next year because it conflicts with High Point, an
The historical Collection, new from LaJobi, features antique elements, as shown in this crib in Sienna finish.
d we have a 3,500-square-foot permanent showroom there," said Bolton's Jackson.
Trend-wise, buyers were impressed with some of the new finishes being shown in wood.
"There is a clear trend in finishes," said Rattle & Rhymes's Guerrera. "Grey, which we've never seen; naturals, hand-rubbed, pearlized cribs, and a driftwood finish. It's not your usual stain and paint."
MDB's new Franklin & Ben line, in particular, got a lot of attention for its unique look and finishes.
"Franklin & Ben's multi-step finish process is more interesting and unique, and gives you a Restoration Hardware look for less money," said Jason Stafford, owner of retail store Babyland in Savoy, Illinois.
Winn Query, owner of Baby Bloomers Home in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., was impressed with what he saw at the show.
"In general, the furniture companies have brought out a lot of new, innovative stuff that will bring a lot of value," he said.
For us the best showing yet, we rocked it and look forward to next year!
Lidy Dill - 2011-11-09 13:49:43 EST-
Ninth annual ABC Expo meets with mixed reaction
Sep 27, 2011
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