Personify Shop

I have spent a lot of time at trade shows and this is my best advice for new buyers! is my home show and I have found so many treasures there. What questions would you have for a retail buyer? Buyers - what would you add to the list below?
1. Walk as much of the show as possible - These trade shows are HUGE. You won’t be able to see everything but cover as much as you can! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found a future bestselling product hidden away somewhere I wouldn’t normally go into. Get your steps in! 2. Look for products not brands - I see stores make this mistake all the time. You want to showcase YOUR OWN BRAND not someone else’s. We have thousands and thousands of vendors. If I like one thing from a brand that sells thousands of items, I’m buying the one thing that I know will sell. 3. Utilize future ships dates and have a budget - You don’t want everything you find at market to come at once. Have an “open to buy” plan and budget. Spread out your buys throughout the year and put cancel dates on orders - especially seasonal ones 4. Appointments will slow you down - This is probably my most controversial take. If you have too many appointments you won’t ever find anything new; however, appointments can be very important. You don’t want to get stuck with a temp order writer who doesn’t know about the line or market specials. I make appointments with reps who know I like to work fast. I’m loyal to the reps that I’ve been working with a long time and are the most helpful. Sometimes if I don’t have time for an appointment I will take pictures and send them the order during the show so they get full credit for it. 5. Seasonality is super important - What season are you buying for? When is Easter next year? Retail sales are driven by seasonality and holidays. Make sure you’re stocked correctly for those! 6. Trust your gut - ultimately YOU are the one who knows what’s going to sell best in your store. If you’re excited about something chances are your customers will be too and vice versa.

In honor of Personify being 12! Should we do a part 2? What questions would you have for someone in the independent retail business?

Our claw clip restock is going fast. Pick your poison. 🐍🍥🐌🪿🍊🌹🐟🌸🐇🪻🌊🌼🐈‍⬛🍓🧿🪽