Share this on

Make the Most of Marketplace

GDA Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 5/21/2011 3:18:02 AM

KATHLEEN MCHUGH is president of ASTRASUCCESSFUL TOY RETAILERS TEND TO BE FOCUSED BUSINESSPEOPLE: they have plans, they work hard, and they know what it takes to keep their business strategies on track. It's no different when they are out of the store for industry events. Attending a convention like the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association's (ASTRA) annual Marketplace & Academy is a meaningful investment for small independents, and their bottom line needs to see some payoff over the course of the year.

Here are some high-return, business- building benefits you'll get this June at ASTRA's Marketplace & Academy in family-friendly Anaheim, CA:
1 Money-saving discounts and deals. By the end of the second quarter, most retailers are focused on their fourth quarter plans. ASTRA's Marketplace comes at the time of year when it is essential for store owners to be ordering and for manufacturers to be maximizing sales. Exhibitors at ASTRA's Marketplace recognize this and many offer hefty show-only discounts for ASTRA members.

2 Hot new products along with all the classic best sellers. The creative, unique, high quality product assortment in independent stores is one of the key things that differentiates specialty retailers from their big box competitors, so sourcing those products is a major agenda for retailers. ASTRA's Marketplace is designed to attract exhibitors with those products - including both classic specialty items and new, innovative toys that have never been exhibited before. This year, ASTRA will welcome a record number of vendors that includes over 100 first-time exhibitors. (You can visit the exhibit hall for free if you register at www.astramarketplace.org.)

3 Relationship building between retailers and manufacturers. ASTRA's Marketplace is known for the relaxed, quality time available to retailers and manufacturers for building mutually productive relationships. The size of the exhibit hall is manageable, and the event is structured with plenty of opportunity off the show floor for social interaction. Retailers can make greatest use of their time at Marketplace by planning ahead. What do you want to accomplish with your current vendors? Which new vendors do you want to meet? How are you going to organize your time on the exhibit floor?

4 Refreshed business strategies and training. A hallmark of ASTRA's annual event is the Academy: a full day and a half of best-in-the business speakers and trainers who send retailers home with plenty of business ideas they can start implementing immediately. Topics range from the basics of the toy retailing business to essential updates on the year's hot issues - from hiring and training staff to the best new ideas in customer service to how to analyze small store financials to what owners need to know about new credit card regulations, and more.

5 Networking. Another big value you will find at Marketplace & Academy: the most successful independent toy store owners in the industry. Trade shows offer an opportunity to meet and learn from others in the same business - giving you the chance to bring home free but priceless and well-tested advice. ASTRA's schedule is set up to accommodate lots of informal exchange of business experiences and ideas.

Kathleen McHugh is president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, Chicago. (www.astratoy.org)

Share this on

Talkback

We would love your feedback!

Goal 2012: Master Your Store's Financials

Feb 25, 2012

ASTRA Sells Out Marketplace Exhibit Space

Mar 14, 2012

Direct from Market: ASTRA Marketplace

Jun 23, 2010

ASTRA Academy in Anaheim

Mar 8, 2011

Also by this author

»MORE

Featured Company

Brandwise Inc.

Brandwise serves a model - not just an industry - by integrating, automating, and optimizing the entire sales channel, from wholesale Suppliers to their Reps and the Retailers they service. In short, our software helps Reps and Suppliers sell more and create... more