Volume 2: Back From The Dallas Gift Market

Let's begin by answering why we take the time and trouble to attend the Dallas Gift Market?  I calculate that we have been to that Market over 75 times.  On the one hand, walking into the Trade Mart and the World Trade Center is always like coming home.  You know how the building smells, you know where the bathrooms are, you are generally able to find the showrooms you are looking for and you can count on seeing some old friends each time.

On the other hand, as online catalogues have increased, as sales reps have decreased in numbers, as some large vendors have left the Dallas Gift Market, going to the Market can be very unpredictable.

I am glad to report that the cafeteria where we eat lunch has done away with paper trays....a big waste of paper since you can only use them once.  However, balancing your lunch, drink or dessert, along with your pull around suitcase and purse is a bit tricky without a tray.  And I had the fun time of encountering a dispenser for forks, knives and spoons....I had never seen those before.

I have found that a growing number of vendors are pushing the edge on humor and fun with their merchandise.  Certain "words" which would never have appeared on greeting cards, kitchen towels, etc. are now standard among a number of companies.  Trends are more intense and duplicated throughout the showrooms and displays are continuing to be creative, colorful and attractive.

One showroom still provides lunch for anyone who walks in and some showrooms will invite you to stay for lunch.  There is no way that a showroom wants you to leave because your stomach is calling out for food.  There is something like a "Free Lunch", and in this case, with all the costs involved in attending the Gift Market, it is a real bonus.

The most important part of showing up at the Market is being able to talk with vendors, getting information on their merchandise which we can pass on to our customers.  The other important part is the partnership which can evolve between us and the vendor.  Now when we call with a request or a problem, the vendor is more likely to respond quickly and be willing to bend a few rules in order to keep us as a happy customer.

All for now.  Merchandise is coming into the store.  Hope to see you soon.