Our first trade show a scucess - what were retailers eyeing?

World Shoppe just completed its first trade show at the Chicago Merchandise Mart and we couldn't be happier. If you've been reading our blog, you'll know that a month ago I was in the throes of pre-planning - what we needed to bring, what we still needed to create, etc. When move-in began (see photo of our empty booth to the right), the process couldn't have been easier. We unloaded via the dock and started working. The first day was spent speaking to a lot of interested retailers from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, and even Montana.

What I found particularly interesting is that although we may have two "types" of buyers, they are really one of the same. We had shops who sought us out specifically because we're fair trade and nothing like they've seen before and other shop owners who loved the look of the pieces - the quality, the metals, the semi-precious gemstones tantalized them. The fact that they were fair trade made the pieces even more special.

At the end of the show, we were so busy, I began to get considered that we didn't have enough stock in the United States! Happily, though, we are fine although we're placing another order with our artisans today because we're very low on several pieces. What a great problem to have!

So, what were our best sellers with retailers...here you go!

1) Hearts - no matter if it's for Valentine's Day, Mothers Day, or any time of the year, this seems to have been one of our biggest attractions.
2) Symphony Tigers Eye pieces - everyone from symphony gift shops to gift and apparel boutiques loved this set because it's very different, includes Tiger's Eye stones, and the quality is second to none.
3) Anything hematite - hematite necklace, our cuffs, and earrings were a hit. Maybe because the semi-precious gemstone is shiny and silver-y or maybe it was the designs...but people gravitated to this piece and "had to have it" in their stores.

As of right now, we have shops in the following states and we're going to be posting the shop names on our Web site very soon - IL, IN, WI, MI, KY, VT, MA.

Hope you enjoy the pictures and we'll see you soon!

PS - the photo on the right is me (center) with representatives from the South African Consulate who stopped by to wish me well!

-Megy Karydes, Founder
World Shoppe
www.World-Shoppe.com

World Shoppe LAUNCH Party/Trunk Show - December 2

Finally - World Shoppe's LAUNCH Party & Trunk Show is in just 7 days!

I hope you'll join me on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, as our full collection of copper and brass jewelry from South Africa is unveiled and available for purchase!

Shown here is one pair of our reconstituted turquoise earrings (we have two more designs). Among the items in our fair trade and handmade collection are necklaces, cuffs, bracelets (and earrings) using copper and brass. Many of the designs also feature semi-precious gemstones such as onyx, carnelian, tiger's eye, red tiger's eye, tinted jade and hematite.

The collection ranges in price from just under $30 to around $70.

I'll be on hand to share stories from my recent trip to South Africa and Swaziland, meeting the designer of these beautiful pieces, showing photos of the artisans, and my overall involvement with the fair trade movement over the past decade. We'll enjoy yummy complimentary appetizers and South African wine throughout the evening as well.

I hope you'll join me and invite your friends and family to come as well! Hope to see you in a week!

Greenheart
1911 W. Division Street (in Bucktown/Wicker Park)
Chicago
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Thank you again for your support of fair trade! Please let me know if you have any questions - or to let me know you'll be at the party!

-Megy Karydes, Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com