As Mooncakes founder many new retailers place orders with us and upon chatting it seems like new stores, and existing stores, need current information. As a vendor to the stores we at Mooncakes can offer tidbits, but you (the stores) can be the most helpful. Please blog with us!
Mooncakes favorite resources & tips:
Earnshaw's Magazine (for retailers) - free monthly subsription, the best trade magazine around! http://www.earnshaws.com/
James Girone Online Guide To The Children's Marketplace- the hot place to surf for new lines, see current industry news, find sales reps, see trade show calendars and reports, and much more. http://www.jamesgirone.com/
TRADE SHOWS: As a buyer what markets/shows should I attend? Kids Expo in Las Vegas http://www.kidsexpo.com/ (every year in September 800 juvenile brands!); and the Children's Club show in New York City (4 times a year, Jan-March-August-October). We pick March and October for Children's Club as they have the biggest line turnout - over 800 children's brands. You will need all 3 days to walk the show, http://enkshows.com/childrensclub/
The Market Centers in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles and Chicago are the next hot spots for buying Children's apparel and gifts... where you visit showrooms with all brands under the sun. It may save you $$ to travel to nearby showrooms compared to the New York shows (and NYC hotels rates). See http://www.jamesgirone.com/ for many nice little local market shows near you.
SALES REPS: There are many wonderful sales reps, you can call for an appoinment and they will often times visit your store which saves you time. But keep in mind sometimes sales reps are great, and sometimes not so great. If you don't get a call back within a few days call the company direct for information.
BUYERS TIPS! Many lines do not deliver on time - make sure to put "Cancel dates" on all your orders so your shipments come when YOU want. As a new retailer you will often have to pay by credit card until credit is established. Please try to follow through with your orders, cancelled orders hurt manufacturers who work very hard to design and produce great products for you. Try to submit your orders in writing (versus phone orders), this way it's in writing if there are discrepancies in your order received. Also, make sure to write "no backorders" on your order, unless of course you want it regardless of when it is shipped.
That's it for now... please add your insight! Mary @ Mooncakes baby
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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