Why a two-day bedding market?
Why a two-day bedding market?
I'm just getting back to normal (no snickering, please) from a hectic week in Las Vegas, where a booming bedding market was held. And I've got a question for you:
Why do so many bedding players think they can make the rounds in Las Vegas in just two days?
Yes, Monday and Tuesday are wild, crazy and fun days in Vegas bedding showrooms, packed with buyers and activity. Everyone gives the market two days. But after that, people start leaving town. And I'm baffled by that shortsighted behavior.
There are dozens and dozens of mattress and sleep accessory showrooms at the World Market Center, far more than even the most hyper bedding buyer can see in a few days. Surely it would be smart for buyers to check out prospective new suppliers and look at some new mattress and sleep accessory offerings. Yet traffic drops noticeably on Wednesday. And that's a shame, given the vast array of bedding products that wait to be sampled.
So why the rush to wrap things up so quickly in Las Vegas? I don't get it.
Stephen Midwest VP commented:
We maintain 3 showrooms at considerable costs for this venue and have for YEARS...we fully staff until the last moment...what remains a mystery to me is why more buyers don't utilize/plan their itinerary to attend the LAST two days...when the craziness is eliminated...the shuttles empty...the halls more navigable...the time reps have to visit...is all more condusive to the reason why buyers go to begin with...maybe we should bail early...yeah...
cheap bedding commented:
Whether it's 2 days. but it's informative
furnie commented:
How about a three day FURNITURE market...all this talk about a two day bedding market! Im in management, Im one of the first in and last out, and im fed up with the reps bailing early and the customers not attending after noon on wednesday....these shows cost us a half a million dollars a year and they are over after a 2/12 days? Shrink the rents make em three day shows and lets all get back on the road if that is the case!
Lisa S. commented:
No Dave. I left at 3pm on day two. I had plenty of time to see that vendor, I just didn't write them down. If I had been shopping new product, sure I would have needed another day. I wasn't. I was checking out new lines of existing vendors. Only saw one new to me vendor and technically they weren't new because they were tied in with Park Place. I sort of agree that you need three days if you're shopping new stuff.
Dave Perry commented:
Thanks, Lisa, for courageously admitting that you were a two-day attendee. And I note that you agree with me, sort of, that there is more than two days' worth of showrooms to visit. I appreciate all the comments as I return to the blogosphere. Look for a new post soon.
Dave Perry commented:
Thanks, Lisa, for courageously admitting that you were a two-day attendee. And I note that you agree with me, sort of, that there is more than two days' worth of showrooms to visit. I appreciate all the comments as I return to the blogosphere. Look for a new post soon.
Lisa S. commented:
I will raise my hand that I've been a two day marketer for Vegas for a few years now. I get done what I need to do in two days. Simple as that. That isn't to say I was only in Vegas for two days, I got there Saturday. By Tuesday afternoon Dad and I were walking around saying "Well, uhh, what do we do next?" I can think of one vendor I should have gone to, but it totally slipped my mind. Honestly, I'm glad I left when I did. I couldn't take one more day of jet lag and dry air.
Dave Perry commented:
Thanks, all, for those comments. At this point, no one is defending that two-day window. It doesn't cost much to add a day to a Vegas itinerary, and the rewards could be great in terms of new lines found, new technology previewed, etc.
Ryan Trainer commented:
I was wondering the same thing as traffic dropped off on Wednesday. Time is precious for everyone, but you wonder why some buyers don't plan their visit until later in the week when the pace is more relaxed. Maybe the market should organize more side events to attract buyers after the Monday-Tuesday rush.
Mark Quinn commented:
Very good question Dave and I ask myself every time I leave Wednesday morning having not seen everything. I will stay another night in July and see what that does for me.
Specialty bedding veteran rep commented:
If you are only going to be attending for 2 days, why not consider mid week where you will get more attention from the vendors.
patriot commented:
Great Question Dave.... This past market was incredibly dynamic with the manufacturers showing some outstanding products and marketing strategies. I cannot imagine digesting all that information in just two days.
Good to see you back on the beat.
Old Bedding Pro commented:
Better hurry!!! C Eitel is sure to revolutionize the industry once again. Don't want to miss that story.
