HOT and COLD in Valley Forge
Well, I have just returned from the Knit and Crochet Show at the Valley Forge Convention Center - my first trade show with the Gettin Knit Together KIT. There was a lot of great, positive feedback, but ultimately I think I know how George Washington must have felt after his stay in Valley Forge in the Winter of 1777. It was a little chilly. But I'll get to that in a minute.
First, the good news, I think my booth looked really great, so I'll share a few pictures.
I had a fun BEFORE and AFTER set-up of what my stash used to look like and what it looks like after getting "Yarn Mindered".
Purl took center stage, and people loved my polka-dot buckets.
This is Purl and I on DAY ONE.
And me at the booth on DAY TWO.
The under 50, more urban set of the crowd seemed to take to the product really nicely. They had tremendously positive feedback about the KIT. "How clever," "How cute," "What a great idea," were what we heard from dozens of knitters passing by. The editors of several of the really important knitting publications were really excited about the product and have plans to write about it in upcoming issues. About half of those who purchased the kits were buying them as gifts.
Now here's the disappointing part. It seems that ninety percent of the crowd that came to the show were older crocheters from more rural areas around Pennsylvania. I did not realize that this was actually the Annual Meeting of the Crochet Guild of America. Not exactly the target market for what I've been told is a hipper, younger knitting product. And I do have to add that it seems that many people who only (or mostly) crochet....well, they seem to be a little ticked about something. Just an observation.
All in all it was a great learning experience, but a long four days. I'll share some other highlights as the week continues. Mostly, it's just really good to be home.
It's great that you had positive feedback - especially from the knitting publications. Congratulations!
Posted by:Beth | July 17, 2006 at 04:50 PM
Your booth/display looks wonderful - so fun & fresh! Congrats on the knitting publication interest! :)
Posted by:Amy | July 17, 2006 at 09:38 PM
Wow - your booth looks amazing - and YOU look simply mahvelous in your pink polka dots! I think this show will reap wonderful benefits in the future (publications, call backs, etc). You're such an amazing marketer!
Posted by:Jennifer | July 17, 2006 at 11:44 PM
Well, at least you got good feedback! Maybe the next convention will be more successful on the selling front.
Your booth is incredible!
Posted by:Jennifer | July 18, 2006 at 03:33 PM
Those hookers just don't know what they are missing...........
The booth, and you, look smashing!!!
Posted by:christine | July 19, 2006 at 04:05 PM