More overseas trade shows have been delayed as retailers and wholesalers deal with Covid challenges.
The New York Toy Fair, a key buying event for Australian toy wholesalers, has been moved two months. Some expect it to be delayed further. Some suppliers are not waiting and have scheduled their own online events at the timing of the original Fair – Mid February.
While trade show delays here in Australia impact retailers and suppliers, it is the overseas fairs that impact suppliers.
This time of the year, January through early March, it is not unusual for buyers from Australian businesses to be overseas for almost the whole time bouncing between trade shows. that is not happening this year. This will play out in terms of product ranges we see available.
the product catgegories most challenges by this disruption are gifts, homewares, toys and games.
I didn’t get to any trade shows last year and gift sales were up by more than $35,000. I don’t think I will go back. The travel costs for me for 3 shows a year were $6,000 and add to that the cost of the time away. That is a nice holiday right there. It is harder to find new suppliers but we can from this blog and Facebook if we copy others and on our own.