I'm finally slowing down a bit from the Holiday retail season. There's always a multitude of things to do and so little time to do it. It's really the most important year for us retailers.
I can't get too comfortable as the spring shows (which are shows for stuff that'll arrive in fall) are coming up and I'll need to attend markets, shows, conventions and a gazillion suppliers banging at my door to show me their Fall wares. In the next couple of months I'll see myself in LA, NYC, Asia (everywhere) and Milan. I was invited as a guest to attend Bread and Butter Barcelona that's going on right now. The supplier was very generous but I've been and and it's really not my kind of show. It is however a incredible party atmosphere. Business before pleasure!
Lots goes thru my mind prior to before doing the buys for the store. What brands to keep, what to increase budgets on and what's up and coming. One of my main things I want to get out of this round of shows is to pick up a new line/brand. Something that would be complimentary to the things we already have. Of course all sorts problems come into play. Like... does the product exist in my market area or what stage product stage is the brand in.
Normally, I poll the girls as to what we should be on the lookout for. This season because of the magic that is the interweb, I think I'd like to hear your opinions on what we should get. I'd love to hear ideas from you gals about the sort of brands/lines we should carry at the Tru Drama store. Email me directly at m@trudrama.com.
