Intimate Apparel Consultancy's Top 10 most useful strategies for trade shows;
1. Aim to see like-for-like brands at similar times – basics, continuity, premium, DD, shaping, etc. This will help you contextualise the ranges and limit any duplication of styles in your seasonal range.
2. Get up early and get there early to make sure you maximise this opportunity.
3. Review the floor plan in advance and mark the stands that you need to visit and when. Trade shows can be big and it’s easy to get sidetracked, so plan your route to help you stick to this schedule.
4. Make a note of the times of the fashion shows and decide when to view them. The beginning of the day is best, so you can be inspired by what you see and then go out and look at the new collections.
5. Make appointments. Tell them what you are looking for, what you need, what worked for you last season and what didn’t to get them focused on your business.
6. Stay focused. At the beginning of the appointment tell them how long you have and do not over run. An hour should be enough to review any range.
7. If you need to discuss business promotions then you need to ensure an appointment is in place in advance with the appropriate person.
8. Keep an eye on the clock. Don’t waste time in chit chat if it means you might compromise your next appointment.
9. Plan in breaks and refreshments as trade shows are tiring. If you don’t feel good then your decision- making and concentration skills will be flawed.
10. Make your buying decisions at the show and place orders if you are sure. If you know what you need there should be no dithering and uncertainty.
These will help make your Trade show visits a success.
