Retailers, manufacturers give ABC Expo high marks

Las Vegas— The 2005 All Baby and Child Expo here proved a hit with buyers and manufacturers, with many saying it was the best juvenile show they had attended in years.

This market certainly was the biggest in its three-year history, with more than 8,000 people registered. ABC Executive Director Larry Schur said about 3,700 buyers attended this year's show, up from 2,900 in 2004. He added that 717 of the 721 registered manufacturers showed, easily beating last year's total of 634 vendors.

The show drew more international interest, with buyers from 48 non-U.S. countries registered. "It's grown in nearly every category. It's unbelievable," Schur said.

Laura Caldwell, owner of Texas Kid Co. in Beaumont, Texas, said she found lots of variety and picked up a few new vendors, including lighting manufacturer I Lite 4 U. "I loved their cowboy chandelier," she said. "I know I will sell at least one or two a month."

Peter Komroff, owner of Baby Love in Sunrise, Fla., also had high praise for the show. Komroff said he and his wife, Barbara, had only missed two juvenile shows since 1981, and the 2005 Expo turned out to be "the best show that (we) have attended."

Although the merchandise was varied, certain trends emerged. Vintage looks, many reminiscent of 1950s Dick and Jane-style storybook illustrations, were quite popular and spotted on products such as room accessories, bedding and furniture.

Manufacturer Sweetpea of California showed its Curly Top furniture collection, which featured a curly haired girl in several quaint scenes such as hosting a picnic and hugging a doll. Andrea Totten of Sweetpea said the collection drew a lot of attention. "Vintage looks are very popular," she said.

Crib bedding continued to trend toward more lifestyle looks, which many of today's new parents prefer. Manufacturer Glenna Jean showed its new Scribbles collection in pink, tan, cream and brown, color combinations that are growing increasingly popular. "People want a well-designed home, and want it to flow," said Whitney Kramer of Glenna Jean.

Asian-inspired looks also were hot, and Glenna Jean offered its version, Sticky Rice, which featured red, black and gold silk and velvet, and Chinese writing, a look that can easily be copied from a nursery into other rooms in the home.

Australia-based bedding company Freckles, a first-time exhibitor, created a buzz among buyers with its bold colors and sharp designs. Young America, a division of U.S. manufacturer Stanley Furniture, was another first-time exhibitor.

"We recognized that this show is a must-attend for exhibitors who are serious about being significant to this segment of the market," said Glenn Prillaman, senior vice president of Young America.

For some exhibitors with previous Expo experience, last month's show ranked among the best. "This is one of the top five shows we've ever had," said Dan Shabtai, vice president of sales with Fun Rugs.

Manufacturers and buyers who had suggestions, compliments or complaints got a chance to speak directly to the ABC board of directors, who hosted an open forum during the show. One concern was that the Expo had gotten too large. A buyer, who was working alone, said the show was difficult to navigate. She asked the board to group categories, such as metal or bedding, together so that buyers wouldn't have to run back and forth. Michael Schaffer, board chairman and president of manufacturer Baby's Dream, said the board had considered that idea, but many vendors didn't want to be close to their competition.

Mari Janisdotter, president of bedding company Gustav Maxwell, said that was not a major concern for the group she exhibited with in an unofficial "high design" area that included contemporary vendors such as Dwellbaby, Offi & Co. and Argington, among others.

"We like that we're all together," she said. "It helps those buyers who are looking for contemporary product."

Another concern was that there were simply too many vendors, especially bedding manufacturers, who numbered well over 100. Some felt there weren't enough buyers to support the number of exhibitors.

Schur said that while the show had increased the number of vendors from the previous year, there still were about 70 manufacturers who were waitlisted for the 2005 show and never made it in. He said later the board plans to keep the number of vendors around the 700 mark for 2006.

The 2006 ABC Expo is set for Sept. 10–13, a Sunday–Wednesday run that's a change from the previous Friday–Monday schedule. Schur said many buyers prefer to start on Sunday because they don't like to be away from their stores for an entire weekend, and hotels are typically less expensive during the week.

He said it was difficult to schedule the show because Labor Day, the Jewish holidays, the MAGIC show and the High Point furniture market all have to be taken into account. "Figuring out the dates is a jigsaw puzzle," Schur said.

About 8,000 people registered to attend last month's ABC show.

These accessories from Peking Handicraft showcase the current vintage trend.