The ABCs Of A Good Show
Specialty retailers positive despite growing pains
By Karyn M. Peterson -- Gifts and Dec, 10/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
For toy manufacturers, this year's ABC Kids Expo (Sept. 7 to 11) was a mixed bag. Though largely a positive experience, foot traffic at the Las Vegas Convention Center's expansive halls again seemed a bit quiet, companies in attendance told Playthings. However, this was the largest show ever in ABC Kids' five-year history, marking a strong debut as the only industry event of its kind showcasing products for babies, kids and new/expecting parents since the JPMA mass-oriented show's final year in 2007, says Larry Schur, president of All Baby & Child. “All the feedback we had was positive,” he says. “It's probably the best show we've ever had.”
Pre-show registrations totaled 6,212 buyers from 2,223 stores, up from 2007's 5,072 buyers and 2,102 stores, while exhibitors grew to 1,114, (showcasing product at 3,569 booths in nearly 1 million square feet of exhibition space), up from 1,012 exhibitors at 3,035 booths last year.
Organizers continued to keep the first two days open exclusively to specialty stores, with buyers for larger chains, mass-market retailers and online retailers (unless they also have a brick-and-mortar store) allowed to enter only on the third day. It ensures that independent retailers get to walk the show without being pushed aside in favor of mass accounts, Schur says, noting. “That's been a long term policy and that's really the roots of where this show comes from.”
But All Baby & Child continues to be sensitive to other attendee complaints, such as last year's concerns about the hard-to-find New Products Showcase (which had been tucked inside an alcove). This year, it was located just outside the main hall on the second floor, preceded by a flashy fog screen. “It got a great reaction,” Schur says. “Everybody seemed to like it out further, more in the open.”
This year, toycos continued to be vocal about the sometimes confusing category flow, which positioned some booths down rows packed with cribs and other baby gear, as well as the sheer length of this year's show, which had been increased to five days from three last year. In response, “We actually are separating toys into [their own] category” for 2009, Schur says. “That's definitely the way we're going.” Next year's show will also be shortened to four days. “The buyers from last year overwhelmingly requested extra time … but when it came down to it the last day was a little bit slow,” Schur says. “But the specialty stores that were there covered some pretty good ground when nobody else was around.”
Schur also notes that, without a doubt, one of the highlights this year was the new Naturally Kids section of eco-friendly products. It created the most buzz—and floorspace within it was so in demand—that it will be expanded next year.
Next year's ABC Kids Expo will also take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, on September 13 through 16, 2009.
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