Now that everyone has (hopefully) rested and recouped from an exciting week in Anaheim, it's back to work to sythesize everything we took in at the show. One day of entries can hardly wrap up a show the size of CHA and as I am getting phone calls and emails from folks offering feedback from the show, we'll continue reporting...

A bright spot was the activity in the Art Materials category. Not only did we see a good turnout of retailers, there were some great new products offered.Whether they were selling tiny canvases, new paints or giftable art sets the art materials suppliers came to CHA to do business. 

Unfortunately, the strong showing by art materials folks did not quell a growing concern that CHA Winter has become a scrapbooking show. I think this is a situation where perception becomes reality. If you don't want to do a show, you can always find a reason not to. Could it be that most of the excitement was in paper crafts because some long term general craft and hobby exhibitors have opted out of the show? There were some great items for general craft stores but you had to dig to find them.

Where have all the flowers gone? We know home decor crafting is growing. We also know that florals can bring in the non-traditional crafter. Yet, floral offerings were slim at this show.

Don't knock knitting. If you passed on some of the yarn exhibitors you missed out. Knit and crochet enthusiasts are out there, they've just moved on to new projects and different kinds of yarns. The  fuzzy, hairy, furry, skinny scarf was a fashion trend that brought thousands of people to needlework. That trend has run its natural course. Some customers have moved on many are sticking around. They are using more traditional yarns and are trying new projects especially socks and purses. Crochet is very exciting right now with plenty of new fashion projects for clothing or home.

Yes, the craft gadflys have moved on from knitting scarves but the ones who really got the needlework bug are sticking with it. Be sure you have the product they need!

How about hobbies? CHA was born from the hobby industry and this is one area that I think is vastly untapped by general craft retailers. Each year kids have to create projects for school and Scouts that involve models- Styrofoam, Clay, wood, modelling compound, scenic materials, paint, adhesives, etc. It's not just for kids. For some adults, decorating for the holidays involves detailed sets and accessories. Model train enthusiasts need supplies to create their vignettes. 

Have miniatures moved on? The miniature business has tapered off at  this show. Ironically, just when miniatures are given a new life as pieces in altered art projects or as elements of scrapbook/paper decor.

Something to consider... the timing of this winter show was tricky. It came a week after TNNA in San Diego, it came right on the heels of the big Christmas market in Dallas, a gift show was on in NYC, folks were leaving early to go on to the bead extravaganza of shows in Tucson or getting ready for Toy Fair. Retailers and manufacturers were spread thin if they wanted to attend the key shows in those categories. Hard choices had to be made because marketing dollars are stretched to the limit.

What is the solution? Let's open it up to your thoughts!

As for me, combining shows does not look like an immediately actionable choice. For now, the best thing retailers can do is to urge their key vendors to attend CHA Shows. For those of you vendors who say, "we have to have 40 feet to do the show right," I say consider cutting back if the alternative is not to do the show. We miss you- Beth