Trade shows are a key part of the seasonal calendar for buyers, you will get to see the new collections, talk to your suppliers, find new brands and key pieces for the coming season, and place your orders. However, to make the most of them you need to plan your visit and think carefully about what you are there for in advance.
First and foremost, pull together a buying calendar for the season and plan in the key dates for trade shows, buying trips, strategy and order deadline dates. This is a working document and you should add in important branded viewings and any other meetings as the season progresses.
Then you should plan, plan and then plan some more. There is nothing worse than returning from a show without achieving what you set out to do. You should have completed your seasonal analysis and product & sales review and you’ll be ready to attend the seasonal shows armed with all your brand performance information. This will give you a clear vision of what you need for next season to make your business more successful.
Trade shows are about business and this is where your next season’s collection will start to take shape. It is so easy to forget what you’re there to achieve.....stay focused, talk to the suppliers and enjoy.
