
Day 2 of ASD Delivers Retail Education & Stand Out Vendors
Short on time? We get it. Retailers – and wholesalers – are swamped with an endless list of things to do. From operations to management to buying and of course, to selling, there is a long list of “to-do’s” for you to accomplish everyday. ASD gets this, also, which is why we love their educational line up of speakers at each of their shows. Attending ASD means more than just buying for your stores, it means bringing back to your stores valuable insight and applicable action steps to help your business thrive.
Today’s educational seminar series from ASD kicked off with Constant Contact’s Ron Cates. Delivering two presentations targeted to small business owners, Cates discussed email marketing, as well as how to make social media simpler while effective. Audience attendee and single store owner Christine Dahlgren explained that, “as a single store owner, I do everything myself. Ron really offered some great insight and realistic ideas for me to apply to my store.”
One tip that Cates made is that email can be monetized for small businesses, and should be in order to help their businesses compete in the marketplace. With thousands of vendors ready to help retailers deliver great products to consumers, attendees in ASD’s educational seminars left inspired and ready to buy for their stores!
Speaking of buying, another day at ASD meant another day of discovering some fantastic products! Below are some unexpected finds that stood out… and all of whom had retailers swarming their booths.
DRY STRIPS by HomBridge
Electrial connecters may not seem very glam or boutique, but let’s think about this for a second. How many times have you been concerned about plugging something in due to the risk of water close by? Or how about when you want to display outside lights for your store and Mother Nature gets in the way? Dry Strips solve all these problems with their just launched Dry Strips product. Their invention essentially seals water out of electrical sockets… yet you can plug something in over the seal. It’s water proof, weather proof and is child safe. It will leave you wondering why no one had done this before… but all we can think about is how perfect Dry Strips would make for a $20 add on sale. Kid store? These act as safety features for your customer’s homes. Hair salon? These are a must for your customers… and your business. It’s practical, purposeful and affordable. Visit the Dry Strips at Booth C4858 and www.HomBridge.com.
COLOR by Italia Gifts & Frames
Black and white can be so boring. Luckily, COLOR by Italia Gifts & Frames offers a vast variety of novelty and home products in bright, lively colors. From fuchsia to turquoise to neon green, your store shelves can pop with color and scream for attention with products from Italia Gifts & Frames. Offering frames, desk accessories, home decor and more, they are repeat exhibitors at the ASD Show and have priced their products very affordably for retailers to welcome them into their stores. What more can an indie retailer ask for? Stylish, affordable and attention grabbing… Perfect. Visit COLOR by Italia Gifts & Frames at Booth SU1236 or www.italia100.com
KNOTTOLOGY from 550 Paracord Gear & Accessories
Handmade in Michigan, Knottology – which is the study of knots by definition – is a recently launched company that debuted their innovative product at the ASD Show. Only two weeks since they began taking orders, they have retailers secured in over 25 states and four countries. With those types of numbers, we’re confident you want to know just what Knottology is. So here goes… Knottology combines survival clasps, compasses and rope in a clever bracelet or dog leash. Their innovative concept applies survival tools, including an iilluminator, to support individuals in extreme conditions, active environments and everyday activities. Using knots – quite literally – to shape their survival tools into one, unique product, Knottology delivers style in a practical way like no one has done before. Curious? Check them out at www.knottology.com.
Day 2 of ASD Las Vegas may be over, but there are still two more days to go! Check back for more show updates and product news, as well as follow us for updates at @RetailMinded.com.