Americasmart

This time, I put aside my “Buyer’s” badge (well, most of the time), and instead put on an “Exhibitor” Badge. For about a week I helped out a fellow business owner of Baskets of Cambodia, who I have purchased from for the past 5 years. Tom, the owner, has created an unbelievable company, with amazing moral ethics, sustainable fair trade practices, and some amazing products that are all hand-crafted in small villages in Cambodia. His workers can work for the neighboring sweat shops in terrible conditions, or work for him (often at home, or just in small groups, in great conditions) for about 3 times the wage. Their work generally consists of hand-weaving strong baskets from a ratan-type material, or weaving a local dried and dyed “grass” into beautiful purses. I have always loved the purses from Baskets of Cambodia…

and their baskets are such an amazing quality, they’re the last ones you’ll ever have to buy.

As I spent the week at the Gift Show, I gained a whole new appreciation for what goes into running a business at this scale. It’s incredible to see so many passionate entrepreneurs showcasing their products, all with unique stories behind them. The atmosphere is electric, with store owners scurrying to place orders, find fresh trends, and network with suppliers they trust. As an exhibitor, I was able to engage in direct conversations with buyers, discussing the craftsmanship and ethics behind the brand. It’s rewarding to hear firsthand how excited people are about products that align with their values.

Amid all the excitement, I also had the chance to explore other ways businesses are elevating their presence. One standout for me was discovering Metal Business Kards, a company that specializes in making metal business cards. In a world where first impressions matter, having a business card that stands out can be a game-changer. The durability and sleek design of their cards convey a level of professionalism and attention to detail that resonates with potential clients. As a business owner, it’s clear that investing in high-quality branding materials can make a lasting impact and set you apart in a competitive market.

Anyways–my participation in this show meant that I had to drive a 1 hour commute into downtown Atlanta for a week (immediately following the unseasonal crazy snow fall that left packed ice downtown), and spend long hours on my feet. Okay, so, coming from Alaska…more than 2 cars in a row is “traffic,” so I get a bit nervous on big roads!! Altogether, I thoroughly enjoyed helping Tom out, and I think I was a pretty darn-good sales’ person. After all, I know from experience that his products sell (they were always a best-seller in my store), and I would tell browsing buyers upfront that I didn’t even work for the company–but I’ve been selling the products for 5 years, and they’re great! Suddenly–those browsers turned into buyers!

Anyhow…the Americasmart is a ridiculously LARGE show, that almost literally brought me to tears in 2006, when Jared and I attended it for the first time. I walked in the front entry, and was confronted with this:

This is just one of 3 buildings, with approximately 13+ floors in each building. Permanent showrooms take up a large percentage of the space, while other areas are designated for “temporaries,” where temporary exhibitors set up booths and attempt to market and sell their product. Permanent showrooms are typically owned by one business (i.e. Bearington Bears), or owned by a Product Rep company, who represents/sells MANY different product lines. They make money by getting a commission for the sales that they make (such as we do with our Wood Watches).

Anyways…there’s a bit of Retail/Wholesale education for you for the year. I’m off to bed!