3 Reasons Trades Shows Should Be Attended

Retailers, when did you last attend a trade show? Often, we hear that merchants skip this important events because they either 1) can’t get help to cover their store 2) don’t want to pay for the travel expenses necessary or 3) decide trade shows are not necessary in our increasingly growing online world. Beyond the cruel irony in neglecting trade shows to only buy online (hey, you hate it when your customers skip your store for online shops, only…right?), we simply can’t agree with any of these reasons when it comes to skipping trade shows. Instead, here are three reasons why trade shows should be on your annual – if not quarterly or bi-annual – to-do-lists.

Reason 1: Trade Shows Introduce You to “Buzzing” Market Trends 

Sure, you can read about the best products from a show or new market trends reported at a recent event, but that experience alone cannot offer you what a face to face, hands on experience can. When you attend trade shows, you gain front line opportunities to be among the first to know what’s hot, what’s not and what your store needs to do for it’s business. Aside from inventory picks – although this is extremely valuable – you also get introduced to must know about service providers and industry thought leaders at trade shows… something nearly impossible to do for yourself as a single store owner.

Reason 2: Trade Shows Put You First in Line for Strong Vendor Relationships

Think your vendors don’t play favorites? Think again. Relationship building is key when growing any business, and working with your vendor reps is an important part of growing your business successfully. Lean on your reps throughout the year and at trade shows alike, nurturing the face time opportunities you can only get at trade shows. When vendors have special incentives, last minute product buys, unexpected promotional item giveaways and other added perks, you want to be on their top of their preferred call list. Working with them at trade shows can help you earn that spot.

Reason 3: Trade Shows Offer Much More Than Sourcing Inventory 

From networking to meeting and learning from industry leaders to gaining hands on product demonstrations and more, trade shows no longer just connect buyers and sellers but also offer buyers an abundance of opportunities to help their businesses succeed. Many trade shows, such as the bi-annual ASD Show, deliver educational experiences that are intended to help their retail attendees grow and nurture their businesses. Additionally, shows like ASD provide networking opportunities for retailers to meet other like-minded merchants and industry leaders. Throw in some fun – yes, that is allowed and even encouraged – and shows often have various events that encourage their attendees to enjoy themselves!