Why Would You Miss Out on Vegas?

This is the first time I have ever been to Vegas and my Couture, Luxury, and Premiere vendors have more than a few open slots for appointments. Are things really still not picking up? Guliani’s definitely so strong May sales—of course, I wished for more but have to thank god we moved a few larger pieces. Am I terribly worried about the summer—yes? I don’t think we’ve seen the worst of it yet and I am holding on tight and hoping we (meaning our industry) doesn’t see anymore businesses close this June, July, or August. I hope our repair business will exceed my expectations and people will want to put money into fixing their items if their not going to purchase.

So—even with what’s going on…I’m not missing Vegas. This is the first time I’d say I’m not meeting with more than one or two new designers, but I am refilling my best sellers. My husband is still wondering why we’re going when he says I can refill the best sellers over the phone or with a simple email. I feel the show is a place to really see how other retailers are doing….who’s pulling through this and buying? Which retailers are seeing the economy turn around? Which styles are to debut? What’s hot and what type of trends are to come? Sit through an educational seminar and take something back with me to better my store. Meet with friends who are surviving and learn from them.

So—are you missing out on Vegas this year? Are you reordering over the phone or via email? Many of my vendors are only exhibiting at one venue versus all three—is this sign of how bad things really are?