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The show is winding down and the exhibits are being dismantled. So, what’s the consensus??? Given the state of the economy and all the facts surrounding the marketplace, the ASD and China Brand Trade Shows were a huge success. From what we can estimate, and the numbers from the show are not out yet, over 35,000 buyers flooded the Sands and Las Vegas Convention Centers looking for new deals on wholesale goods, closeouts, imports, gifts, housewares and jewelry. Talk amongst the exhibitors was mixed. There were vendors like Via Trading , Kole Imports, Four Seasons, Kachina Eye wear, Jay-Y Sunglasses who specialize in middle-lower end goods who had smashing shows. On the other end of the spectrum, there were exhibitors in the higher end of the market who just didn’t do that well. Buyers were looking for deals. Here are some pics you can check out from the ASD and China Brand Trade Show
The show took place in 2 different venues. The Sands Convention and the Las Vegas Convention Center. This marked a real changing of the times. Over the last 10 years, I’ve seen a lot of shuffling, and have to say that one has to stay on top of the news if you want to keep abreast of the exhibitor locations. This was the first time in over a decade that the Jewelry Show did not take place in the mirage. Due to economic and contractual reasons, ASD decided to move the jewelry show over to the Sands. Was it a good move?? I don’t know….There were some exhibitors who despised displaying their high end loose diamonds and exotic — very expensive — jewelry in a general merchandise type setting. The exhibits in the Sands are not typically known for their luster, but for their low pricing and generic flavor. I’ll admit that high end jewelry exhibitors looked out of place. A high end cash and carry event should take place in an environment that feels warm and welcome. Not like a bazaar of general goods and items you’d see at a flea market , off price chain, dollar store, drug store or independent shop. However, and to the flip side, the consolidation of the 2 shows lead to more foot traffic. If the traffic resulted in buyers, there would be a smiling faces…We just don’t know yet.
In all, the show brought in the usual suspects and the final numbers of the show will dictate the rest of the 4th Q and 1st Q of 2010. I can’t say that it was the strongest show ever, but it was well above anyone’s expectations. Next year will mark yet another change as the show gets ready to shift all of the exhibitors to the LVCC for the first time ever. In the coming years, the show will be shifting venues every other year. it would be a real smart idea to start communicating to your buyers about booth # changes and a really good idea for the ASD show to start announcing all the coming changes. I look forward to seeing all of the follow up from ASD about the event and the video that was taken. The feedback from the exhibitors should be interesting. More interesting though, was the 2nd China Brand Show. Blog post to come on that soon…..Let’s just say the relations between ASD and China are getting very strong.
We’re off to the Off Price Show in 2 weeks. By the time we get back, we should be able to provide a final wrap up of the new products, sales, state of the economy, future, and facts surrounding the 2009 ASD Trade Show. By the way , I did find out something new — no longer is it the ASD/AMD Trade Show. It is now the ASD Trade Show. Take note. And….
Happy Wholesaling!
Trick or Treat? Not really. It’s to get serious about business and prepare for all of those Hallmark Holidays and traditions that bring in the profit and make those uber bonuses possible 
TJ Maxx posted posted 4% increase in same store sales and many other big box ‘tailers selling branded goods for cheap or dollar store items are literally on fire. These guys are raising earnings estimates and beating the heckle out the once might luxury brands. 
