I am just coming up for air in this very busy life I have created for myself these days. The Ft. Lauderdale show has come and gone, my two design projects are in full swing, and we are planning a quick get-away weekend in Georgia beginning tomorrow.
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I was very proud of how my booth turned out. As you can guess, it is a lot of work to pack up items, only to unpack them at the show, then take it all down in a day or so. My husband and son are troopers. What would I do without them? I don't travel lightly. This show included two very large china cabinets. They looked great, but, WOW!!
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*****I really felt like I had some great things to offer collectors of vintage......both old and new. I had many, many compliments. However, I learned a few valuable lessons last weekend. The first one: Know Your Market. I do know my market, they just weren't shopping in Fort Lauderdale. Actually, as one customer said, "You just don't find this stuff down here." She was pleased to see it, but was in the minority. My second lesson: Do not do shows in HOT, HOT South Florida during the summer. Most of my clients have gone north and next summer I will too.
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So yes, sales were much less than expected, but so it goes in the world of retail. Every show is not going to be a success. I was dissappointed, but not defeated. Like I said earlier, I was (and am) very proud of what I brought to the party. I will continue to persevere and look for the perfect item to bring forward in my own way. I will research the demographics of the next show a little more thoroughly and carry on!
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Please enjoy a few more pictures. Everything was beautiful!!! Thanks to all my vendors for providing me with the upmost in quality. I will continue to search out the right venue so I can do your products proud. And I will continue finding just the right piece of furniture that I can add the perfect "A Bird in Hand" touch to.
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I appreciated seeing a few of my old friends who came by just to see me. That means the world to me!! I will continue to keep you posted of my happenings. I will most likely be in West Palm Beach again in November, but will let you know for sure very soon. Meanwhile, I will be happy to ship or deliver any items you see here that you may be interested in. I am considering a private show for invited guests sometime between now and November. If that develops, you'll be the first to know!!!
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In my next post, I will share some pictures of the O'Rourke master bathroom that is coming together beautifully!
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Until then, I wish you.....
Warm wishes. Sweet dreams.
Carol
5 comments:
Carol, Everything looked perfect! You did a wonderful job displaying your wares. I'm so sorry it didn't go as well as you'd hoped, but the lessons you learned will be invaluable to you in the future. It's so good to hear you speaking in such a positive way about your experience.
Take Care & God Bless!
Lana
Thank you, Lana. I do appreciate your words so very much. I'll keep plugging along!!! Carol
WOW! What a great blog you have. I don't know how I've missed it till now. I so love your pictures and your show booth is beautiful.
All just lovely.
Smiles,
Becky
Just lovely Carol, everything looked great.... I am sure things will be better at your next show.... Have a nice break... Fond regards Cathy
Carol - Your pictures show that you had just lovely things at the show. I met you at the West Palm Beach show, but did not make it down to Ft. Lauderdale. I am looking forward to seeing you in November. Do not be discouraged, summer is not the best time for this endeavor, so please give the fall/winter a chance.
See ya then,
Jill
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