American Craft Retailers Expo: Post-Show Report
(Mooresville, NC) After two years of planning, the American Craft Retailers Expo (ACRE) debuted May 2-4, 2007 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“We’re very pleased with the support from artists and retailers to make this show successful,” said Nancy Vince, President, Wholesalecrafts.com, Inc. “It was a high energy show that filled the need for a quality wholesale craft venue in the West.”
ACRE featured the work of 575 juried craft artists from the United States and Canada representing handcrafted products in all price points. Markets represented included home decorative accessories, jewelry, furniture, outdoor furnishings, lighting, pet accessories, fashion accessories, luxury gifts and more.
Over 970 buyers attended the first show representing some of the top galleries and gift stores in the country.
“I purchased WAY to much beautiful art for my new store,” said retailer Jody Wheeless, The Village Firefly, Houston, TX. “Everything was so well organized and user-friendly. Great first show – I’m already excited about attending next year!”
“The show was wonderful! The atmosphere was nothing but friendly and helpful,” said retailer Julia Rush, Julia Rush Fine Crafts, Hickory, NC. “If you were not there you missed the best show of the year!”
“The ACRE show in Las Vegas may have been a first time show, but the results were far better then I ever anticipated,” said artist Shirley Price, Shirley Price Limited Editions, Villa Park, CA. “Management cared about the exhibitors; their professionalism and attention to every detail was evident from the moment I walked in. The buyers that attended were there to BUY – this can only get better as the show grows. It is one of the best wholesale shows in which I have participated. My orders were way beyond expectation and are still coming in. I look forward to 2008.”
ACRE highlights included a “Las Vegas style” opening ceremony with showgirls, a cocktail party at the Las Vegas Hilton pool deck, and 7 easy-to-shop product categories which included Handmade Gifts & Accessories, Handmade Jewelry, The Gallery of Fine Crafts, Handmade Wearable Art, The Gallery of Fine Jewelry and the Emerging Artist Showcase featuring over 70 artisans new to wholesale.
Retailer seminars were led by members of the Craft Retailers Association for Tomorrow (C.R.A.F.T.) and included buyer orientation, the popular C.R.A.F.T. Table Topics, and a seminar on how to pump up jewelry sales. Seminars for exhibitors were conducted pre-show via an online Webinar system. Exhibitor seminars included Booth Design and Merchandising by Bruce Baker, Demystifying Wholesale by Pam Corwin, and Working With The Show Contractor by representatives of Champion-Nationwide, the ACRE show’s general contractor.
Exhibitor surveys reported a very high interest in future participation. The next ACRE show is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 – Monday, April 28, 2008 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall.
The American Craft Retailers Expo is owned and managed by Wholesalecrafts.com, Inc. Attendee and Exhibitor information is available at ACRElasvegas.com or by calling 888.427.2381.
