Heimtextil Day 3 - Wrapping it Up

Only another two hours to go as I write this on my final day at the show.

I’m going to dash off a few basic impressions, then head back out to see a few more people before the doors close.

·                    Exhibitors came here prepared for a tough year, slower show traffic and fewer U.S. buyers. Generally, expectations met, unfortunately. Though I talked to some who felt the lighter load at least allowed them to have some good, serious discussions with current customers and potential clients.

·                    Off-pricers have a cornucopia of product to choose from at all levels of quality. They were just making the rounds in the Asian halls. They were also all over the European section in Hall 9.

·                    Talked to a couple of vendors who have quietly gotten into the retail business way, way under the radar. One acquired a small chain (only a dozen stores or so) outside the U.S. The other has launched an internet site that carries no fingerprints from his primary business. I’ll bet their not the only ones.

·                    As consolidation in the retail world strikes the supplier community, it is naturally going to wash ashore a lot of good people. Some will leave the industry. But some of the others may form fast, flexible niche companies. I heard the word ‘entrepreneurial’ used A LOT this week.

I’ll put up some more next week after I digest. Now I’m heading back to the halls.

Have a great weekend.