The Second Time Around
The song says, “Love is lovelier the second time around” and we know Stitches Midwest was just that—even better the second time around. Last year at this time we were taking our first step at a big show as a new company when we went to Stitches Midwest. We had only been in business a few weeks so we went with some trepidation—at least on my part as the company pessimist. The response we had was just astonishing and wonderful. If I had a nickel for every customer who started out by saying, “I hate metal needles and I hate straight needles but I love your needles” I could be on a beach in Tahiti. Except, of course, I love being here.
Looking back, we really were novices at the “show” vendor experience. Luckily Chicago is just an hour away and we have been remembering the calls back to Kent and Paul and Brian here at the office to get us more product. They were literally making needles nights and bringing them down to us mornings so we would have enough stock to meet demand.
Since then we have become show veterans having gone to more Stitches shows and also by getting a coveted spot at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival (who knew that this was like getting a child into Harvard??). Each time we have learned a lot about how and what to pack and each time we have met wonderful customers. For example we just marveled at meeting Marie at Stitches West in California who had come all the way from the East Coast to go to the show and meet us. Seeing the many, many knitting styles from our side of the demonstration table was an education on its own and meeting so many old and new customers has been a joy.
I think when knitters go to a show like Stitches they see the booths but really only see the things for sale which is exactly what the shopping experience should be. I bet everyone here would see things a little differently: What display equipment is there? How many tables? How are they processing orders? How do they get to have a bathroom break? The last is very important. Currently I have been told that drinking is not allowed because it only means a trip later. So, if you come look for the dehydrated people.
As I write this Laura and Daniella are making the first trip to Chicago with all the things that go into setting up a booth. Each show has taught us valuable lessons which is good since we now have lots more products. For the first time we will be introducing kits for sale. We have some exciting designers and materials that we will offer as a kit with a pair of needles at a great price.
Tomorrow I will go with them and we will be staying for the duration. Come see us in Booth 423. Happy Knitting.