Active Business and Upbeat Mood at Instore Show
April 20, 09The first annual INSTORE show kicked off Sunday morning at Navy Pier Convention Center in Chicago .Geared toward the American retailer, the show's design is to energize the mind and soul while refilling inventory.
Between educational seminars, hands on training classes and a full trade show floor of exhibitors, INSTORE provided it all. A floor with over 300 exhibitors offered registered buyers an ample tasting of what is available to them.
Leading up to the show, exhibitors and buyers alike were skeptical of a new show in a weak economy. However, the only dreary thing seemed to be the Chicago weather.
From veteran exhibitors like Stuller to new faces like ELK Designs, the booths at the convention center were full, enjoying the good number of attending buyers. Exhibitors told IDEX Online they were impressed with the turnout, appreciated the setup and excited for the next two days.
For the diamond sector, smaller goods of 1 carat and below were moving, however, larger stones were not.
By the end of the first day, the general consensus was positive on both sides. Retailers were thirsty for fresh initiatives, better relationships and smarter selling techniques. Happy faces on the first day of an industry trade show? Despite the economic slowdown, the answer is a resonating yes.