The traffic question

If I had a dime for every time someone asked me, “So, how was traffic at XYZ show?” you’d be reading a column written by someone else this month and I’d be hanging out with my family at the beach.

I never know how to answer this question. If I’m honest I have to say, traffic is down; and it doesn’t matter which market I’m talking about. If I’m trying to put a positive spin on it I’ll pick up the standard vendor line, “Well, we aren’t seeing as many people, but we’re seeing the quality buyers.” I think we’re passed the point where traffic numbers are an accurate measure of the actual business being done.

This might not be the most PC thing to say, but there are too many markets; things are too segmented. There’s no way manufacturers can introduce a new, exciting product every three months and there’s certainly no way retailers can leave their stores 10+ times a year (that’s the minimum number of shows we cover in Kids Today).

Maybe instead of making shows bigger they need to be better. Better parking, better access, better amenities for buyers and vendors.

For Kids Today, markets first are about seeing new product and spotting the trends. However, they’re also about building better relationships with our friends in the industry and finding out what it is we can add to the mix. They’re also about having fun. Some of you (meaning just about everyone I talked to) in Las Vegas are aware that I was a bit excited about the Rod Stewart concert. If you need a good laugh, check out my blog for more details and let me know your thoughts on the number of markets.