ok, I confess, I am not sure when I got old and creaky but a four day show is seeming longer than I anticipated.

Day three of National Stationery Show is all about wrapping paper and new options. Both Anna Griffin and American Crafts introduced new wrap collections related to their paper offerings. Today we saw a cool demo of an Epson printer that works with MountainCow software to create customized wrapping paper. Super super cool.

Sharon and Teresa from Preserve It frame were on hand to demo their frames and to suggest that home decor and framing come together within scrapbooking. Thanks Ladies- let's brainstorm more ideas!

For our seminar we had a small group but a great dialogue today regarding "There's gold in scrapbooking" Suzi finer of iamadiva.com (a website with a store) had a way of speaking that made you feel like she was letting you in a major secret. She reminded one attendee who was opening a shop on a tropical island to not forget tourists and their interest in themed product,

Katey Franceschini of The Paper Company offered sage counsel to look to your suppliers to help you identify which new lines will work in your store. She brought in this happy ad colorful window box full of crepe paper flowers and birds. Why not create your version of "Macy's flower show in your store?

A few other little item trends while we're on the subject

• Wood "paper" as a base for mini album covers or cards that are stamped or woodburned with images.
• Pre-designed albums-these are memory books with "scrapped" pages sans the photos. These came in a variety of themes, price points and qualities including some very good looking pop up versions.
• Single charms on cards and memory jewelry> I love the high end scrapbook Jewelry from Nunn Designs.

I need to sign off now, too bleary eyed to continue. Tomorrow NSS ends I think I'll be a puddle-- Beth

Today we started off the day at National Stationery Show with an interview with Andrea Grossman, THE Mrs. Grossman of the eponymous sticker company. She said she survived tough times with faith in God and lots of hard work. It was great to hear a manufacturer say "we love our customers" and really really mean it.

27 people joined us for our Understanding the Scrapbooker presentation.In fact, there seemed to be interest in scrapbooking across the board- quite a few vendors reported that they were pleased with feedback from the show so far. I am not sure if that was translating into actual orders but contacts were made.

Got a chance to walk a few aisles today. Saw lots of flocking on wrapping paper. Scads of letterpress and letterpress-like products. The overall palette was softer, not somber but definitely not as passionate as we've seen in years past we saw more greys, oatmeal, butter yellow and cream.

Notecard sizes were smaller, plenty of allover surface pattern,  two color print jobs- color and white or two monochromatic colors plus white.

I'm not seeing as much emphasis on baby products although they were there in full force. However the bridal trends seminar was packed.

We'll see what tomorrow brings... stay tuned.--Beth

Here I am in vibrant New York City for the National Stationery Show. I love New Yorkers, they are the best! I knew I was officially back when one outdoor vendor offered to waive the $2 fee for a diet coke for a "leetle kees". I passed on his generous discount offer but it made me smile.

We primarily saw folks from the tri-state area- trains, turnpike, bridges and tunnels. I was thrilled to sign up a bunch of new subscribers to Scrapbook Retailer.

Speaking of trends, Scrapbook Retailer contributed the scrapbooking trend forecast and it was very cool to see the 6-foot tall poster of the trends next to all of the forecasts for bridal, gift, card and stationery trends.
Didn't get out of the booth much so not alot of trends to report. Today I was showing how chocolate bars can be customized as gifts. The Hot Off The Press mini file folder template and little Xyron X box generated quite a bit of interest.

I haven't gotten over there yet but from the buzz, it sounds like Accucut is doing well with it's new dies with pins for creating invitations. With the big crowd of designers and handmade invite at the designers, they seemed to have a home run.

Mrs. Grossman's has introduced a new adhesive product that picks up pet hair. A portion of the proceeds goes to a charity for seeing eye dogs. Tomorrow a.m. I interview Andrea Grossman whom I admire as an entrepreneur and a person who gives back to her community in many ways.

Anw Crestwood presented a coolly elegant booth and it just goes to show you that scrapbooking and social stationery are in the same sphere.

Paper can be a beautiful and visually stimulating product and fixtures from Display Dynamics are sleek and elegant. If you are in town for the merchandising seminar on Tuesday-  you will hear a great presentation from Bob Radcliffe. I am definitely going to work on capturing that info to share further.

Just in my own little corner of the show I saw a lot of pink, more than at CHA and texture in decorative papers and wrapping is very strong- especially velvety flocking in polka dots and damask prints. Birds aplenty with 1970's owls and japanese inspired line art prints.

Early morning call for our 8:30 interview then a seminar on Understanding the Scrapbooker with my friend Beth Williams. I promise to report more on product tomorrow.Good night!--Beth

I leave for National Stationery Show tomorrow and I think I am feeling what many of you have experienced attending your first show.

Do I have everything I possibly need? What did I forget? I should have done (fill in the blank here)!

Now I am not a newbie to trade shows. I've been on the show management side as well as the exhibitor side too many times to count during my career. But somehow this is different. It's like the night before a school trip, when your tummy is jumping around because you are nervous and excited at the same time.

This show steps us outside the craft industry box and I really want to be sure we convey the right message. I want to show these social stationery buyers that memory crafting is a lifestyle activity and that deep crafting expertise is not required.

So rather than go into a perfectionist spiral, I'll embrace the fact that most things in life can always be done a smidge better and focus  on while we're really at the show- to promote the joys and profits of scrapbooking.

And just like your passion at your first show drew new customers in, I am sure the passion of our staff and industry partners will do the same.

I hope National Stationery Show is on your calendar for next week. If it is, come by and say hi- we're in booth 1309-1303.

If not, check this blog out for reports from the show.

Send me positive mental energy that my gazillion boxes of magazines and goody bags have arrived! Have a great weekend-- Beth

It is a dreary Monday here in the Northeast thanks to a Nor'easter that is blowing through. So I thought I'd better knuckle down before that rainy day snooze feeling washed over me!

I've been thinking alot about the nature of the craft industry in that when the economy goes down, participation tends to go up.

I spent some time at a consumer show over the weekend and was heartened to see a packed parking lot and good attendance. We're all worried about how the economy will impact our business so this was a good place to do a little research.

Vendors reported that unlike past years where customers bought in a frenzy they were more discerning about purchases this year. They had a planned spending budget and rather than go from booth to booth buying along the way, they reconnoitered the floor and then bought strategically. One vendor commented it was more like a trade show that way. Customers may have spent a bit less but they were still very enthusiastic about scrapbooking.

If we benefit from the spendy nature of our customers during good times we need to accept that when things get a bit stretched, folks will go back to their stashes of accumulated supplies. So even if our customers are not spending lots of money in our stores, they are still scrapbooking. That is a good thing.

Consider that each time a customer now makes a purchase she is putting more thought into the process so be sure to welcome that customer with open arms and give her time to make a decision.

• Highlight products that have multiple uses- tools, double-sided papers, adhesives. It's always easier to make a sale if the customer sees more possibilities.
• Think how you can reward customers for frequenting your store despite rising costs of gas and groceries. Consider a Paper Purchaser punch card- for every 10 or 20 sheets purchased she gets to choose a sheet of paper for free. It's a little thing but it works.
• Designate a specific time of the week that is free workshop time where customers can come in and use your space and tools. You may currently charge for this time, but a few hours one day a week won't break the bank and you may be rewarded with some added sales.
• Build some classes around using odds and ends of supplies- card making classes are good for that. Choose a theme for your card classes: Birthday Greetings, Camp hellos (it's that time) and thank you notes. Focus on topics that are broader in theme to engage more customers.

If nothing else, continue to provide a haven for your customers. You want them to come in your store even if they aren't buying anything. If they don't feel welcome when they are spending less, when times get better, they won't be back.

One vendor described that her father was in the construction business and when times were bad a few suppliers extended a little extra credit or worked more on the price. She said her dad never forgot those folks who stuck by him. Twenty plus years later dad is still in construction and now the son carries on with loyalty to those companies that stuck by his dad.

Customer loyalty is something that has to be earned. And a company that shows it cares about customers even when times are bad is a business that inspires loyalty. Stay warm--Beth

National Teacher Appreciation Week is winding up today.  Talk about a profession where  contributions outweigh their compensation! I know I wouldn't be able to do what I do if Mrs. Manahan didn't beat the passive voice out of my reporting. And 30 years ago, I had no idea Mr. Fairorth's detested "pop bluebooks" would prepare me to process breaking news in order to blog from tradeshows.

I know teacher appreciation week was created for schoolteachers but I hope you will take a moment this weekend to let your teaching staff know how much you appreciate them. At the very least send each a note acknowledging their contributions.These teachers keep consumers bonded to your business!

I salute all of the teachers in this industry- not just the folks who make their living by teaching students every day- I mean everyone who teaches us something new about scrapbooking. There's no designer or demonstrator day. There's no art director day. There's no project instructions writer day. Perhaps there should be.

So let's make sure during teacher appreciation week we offer up thanks to all of the "creatives" who continually keep us inspired. Who regularly contribute to this dynamic industry without a day of special recognition. Have a good weekend--Beth

Check out this article on Entrepreneur's Web site. Very interesting piece on the five ways retailers fail:  "5 Fatal Mistakes for Small Retailing" by Ronald L. Bond.

While I don't prefer mortuary language when it comes to talking about retail there is some very good advice here.

Perhaps what's most interesting is what Bond doesn't say- he doesn't say that retailers must have the cheapest prices or the most product or the biggest store.

What you'll take away from this article, is that customer service is absolutely critical and even if you don't have everything else in place, poor customer service can trip you up.

Read the article and let me know what you think.--Beth

Happy Monday,

Interesting way to start the morning- writing the summary of our April online survey.  This past month's survey addressed teaching classes for children.

I'm a huge proponent of youth crafting education that incorporates the three F's FUN, FINISHED, FEELING GOOD.

Unlike other sports and lifestyle activities, nobody is teaching America's youth to craft- so it is up to the industry to do it. But I am always suprised by the attitude from some folks who don't want to be bothered. The (profitable) future of our industry is rooted in inspiring children to create. If we opt out of youth classes because they "mess up the store" or are "kids are too wild to teach" we are missing out.

Some thoughts on this.

The majority of folks who responded to our survey said that they don't offer classes because there is no interest. I find that curious seeing as there are bunches of moms and grandmas who scrapbooking in stores every day. Those are the folks most likely to influence a future generation.

All I ask is that you give some thought to why there is no interest. Could it be that you haven't hit upon the right timing, teacher, location or class subject? Many a fabulous class has gone unattended and dismissed because the timing wasn't right for the audience. Look at the teacher- not every great scrapbook teacher is great with kids. Do you have any customers who are school teachers that you might be able to engage as a teacher? Ask your customers- I bet there are some moms and grandmas who wouldn't mind taking on the occasional youth class.

Maybe you need to take your youth classes outside the store- through local park and recreation or Scout groups. When are the classes offered? Do they conflict with soccer practice, religious studies, school activities? Some craft retailers have had great success sponsoring scrapbooking workshops during the school year on inservice or teacher conference days.

To the 75 percent of you who are currently teaching  young people to enjoy papercrafting -- KUDOS. You are laying the groundwork for a solid customer base in the next few years. To those who say there is no interest, please take a moment to analyze why there is no interest. You may find it is a problem that is fairly easy to resolve.--Beth

We are in the process of pulling together next issue's (August/September) news and new products. And folks, I have to say it is eerily quiet.

Are companies not merging, taking on new staff, winning awards or changing addresses? Are we working so close to the trade show with product introductions there is nothing to tease?

Are you all in Bimini enjoying the sun and sand?

Hmmm.

I'm thinking it's more along the lines of being too busy and not having a moment to bang out a press release. So let me give a word of advice. Scrapbook Retailer is easy- we don't need formal press releases or fancy words- that's our job.

Just send me a sentence or two about your new hire. Tell me that you are partnering with another vendor. Give me a heads up that a great new product is coming down the line but it's not ready yet.

Send us your news! Send to: editorial@scrapbookretailermagazine.com

Call mom. I miss you.--Beth

I just returned from a family vacation to Baltimore area. If you have young children I highly recommend it- very fun and lots to do in walking distance from Inner Harbor hotels.

One of our favorites was Port Discovery. This is an interactive musuem for children that stimulates all the senses. In addition to the three story climbing/net/habitrail thing there are other rooms that incorporate water play, an Egyptian treasure hunt, even a diner set up.

Other stations incorporated coloring and art activities. A large space was dedicated to an art roomer where children could participate in a session on the Japanese art of paper marbling. My inquisitive 5-year-old was all for that so in we went. Since he's a chatterbox (imagine!) he got to squirt the dye colors on the gelatin laden goo first. All of the kids at the table were entranced by the process where the dyes adhere to the paper for a decorative effect. My son's eyes got as big as saucers when he saw the result and of course he now wants to do this at home.

Listening in on the parents' conversations I noted that for the most part none of them considered themselves crafty. Yet, they saw the benefit of signing their child up early to get into one of these valuable spots for the Sumiyagashi paper marbling.

More than ever, museums of all kinds are reaching out to the next generation of patrons with art & craft projects either as regular functions or special events. Scrapbook retailers can benefit in supporting these activities:

• Be aware of crafting activities of local musuems and historic sites. Find out how they buy supplies for those activities and offer to source those items for them.
• Sponsor/underwrite paper crafting activities by providing an instructor, supplies or funding for an event. Having your store name as a sponsor will get you lots of support through the Museum's PR effort.
• Be proactive about ideas- if you have some scrapbooking or other papercrafting idea that will work for a local museum, contact their education or marketing director and see how you can work together.
  
• Promote your participation with museums in your media vehicles as through these activities you are supporting the local community.

 
Museums usually have thin resources- so your offer of support will be warmly welcomed.Support your local museums and historic sites. Visits to these venues inspire our children to celebrate arts and culture. Your crafting activity could be the highlight of an event and a calling card for your business--Beth

An observation....

Did you ever notice how service providers, though trained to be 'nice', don't  always convey gratitude for you giving them your trade?

I'm not saying they aren't grateful for your purchase of the $29 Chuck E. Cheese pizza and token package. I'm just saying it doesn't always seem sincere.

Examples:

Customer: "thank you"
Sales Associate: "yep"

Customer: "Thanks, have a great day."
Sales Associate: "yuh-huh"

Customer: "thanks"
Sales Associate : (stares blankly then turns and walks away)

It's a little detail but something you remember- how an employee finishes up the sale. It's your last opportunity to make positive connection with the customer and yep and uh-huh don't cut the mustard.

You want to provide your employees with some suggestions of "go to" responses so that customers know you value their business. These need to be delivered with sincerity and scripting doesn't always work. We all know when "have a nice day" really means something else.

Some of my favorite responses to a customer's thank you:

• My pleasure.
• You're very welcome, is there anything else we can help you with today?
• You're welcome, we hope to see you soon!

***All delivered by a person who is smiling and looking me in the eye.

The old "You're welcome" or "my pleasure" combined with a positive wish works well too..."My pleasure...enjoy the rest of our day!" "Or, you're welcome, thanks for shopping with us today!"

What can you come up with that is unique to your business, a signature to the sale, if you will. The right unique signature will make an impact on your clients.

Being a Philly girl, there is one maybe not so PC response that always makes me feel valued. One that is always delivered with heartfelt sincerity... so from me to you...

 "Thanks hon, youse have a good one, 'kay?--Beth