If you are opening a new shop or buying an existing brick, congratulations and welcome! As a vendor to many shops we at Mooncakes can offer tidbits ... here are some of our favorite industry resources:
Earnshaw's Magazine (for retailers) - free monthly subsription, a good magazine for retailers! 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: Children's Club show in New York City for apparel as they have the biggest line turnout - over 800 children's brand, held 4 times a year. You will need 2 days to walk the show, http://enkshows.com/childrensclub/ . And if you are a gift shop the New York International Gift show held in January and August is a must, http://www.nyigf.com/.
The Market Centers in Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco 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.
STORY: The order you are placing needs to "tell a short story" in your shop, too little of a brand (a few pieces) has no impact and has a reverse effect on merchandising and sales. Think creatively of how the brand can tell a story and make sure you order enough units to do this.
That's it for now... please add your insight! Mary @ Mooncakes baby
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
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