New April event designed to optimize ordering and fulfillment process
The following interview with Doug Miller, industry veteran and co-founder of
RedlineXpo originally appeared in the November issue of Gifts & Decorative Accessories Magazine.
What influenced the decision to present The Reunion in April?
Through our company, we’ve received numerous calls from both buyers and exhibitors who are increasingly concerned about supply chain issues, and delays in production and shipping. After conducting extensive research, it became clear that adding an April show gives buyers and sellers the ability to fulfill orders for the coming season as well as add products they need for immediate delivery. The Reunion has been designed to better meet the needs of today’s gift and souvenir industries.
I’d like to share some of these comments from buyers to further explain the need for a spring buying opportunity:
“A spring show means I can start the procurement process early, avoiding the bottleneck that usually happens closer to Christmas.”
“As the import supply chain timeline continues to move up in the calendar year, an earlier show makes total sense – even in April.”
“I have been asking for a spring show for years! If you are doing custom imports, then you have to start the design process in spring or you will miss Chinese New Year.”
What products can buyers expect to see?
The Reunion will showcase thousands of products from exhibitors across the U.S., as well as some international manufacturers. There will be the classic staples – the go-to products that all retailers carry - but there will also be a focus on new lines and companies that will help differentiate a retailer from the competition. Again, in listening to buyers, we will also feature a strong selection of Made in America products, which also help ease production and delivery issues.
What are your expectations for this inaugural event?
We want vendors to have a positive experience dealing with the RedlineXpo team, which brings a wealth of knowledge and trade show experience to this latest venture. We are making it easy and affordable and ensuring that their customers are there. We will provide all the tools they need to make appointments, set up meetings and work with our marketing team to develop programs in advance of the show. For buyers, we are presenting a strong cross-section of good quality lines across all sectors that will make their trip worthwhile.
We are also putting together a Retail Advisory Committee that will convene before and during the show to ensure the strongest support possible for all attendees. This is not something we envision as a ‘one and done.’ It’s a complete package that will enable everyone to walk into the show prepared for a solid event.
Our most important job is to make sure there’s a good balance of buyers to support the companies on the floor. Our goal is to grow this show into a can’t-miss Spring event on the industry’s calendar and, most importantly, to continue to address and meet the changing demands of the industry.
THE REUNIONApril 4-6, 2024The Mirage Convention CenterLas Vegas, NVFor more information, please visitwww.thereunionexpo.com |
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