Wednesday, August 27, 2008

NEW YORK SHOW

The morning Isabella and I headed for NY the moon was still in the sky as the sun came up. She drove while we shared retail stories.

THE LOBBY OF THE JACOB JAVITS CENTER
We arrived at the Javits Center early and it was already buzzing with people.

SECOND FLOOR OF THE CENTER
Thousands of vendors displaying products, in four locations- the Javits (pictured here), the Metropolitan Pavilion, the Piers and 7 West. All are packed with inspiration for HiHo, from new counter top goodies to amazing furniture. Isabella and I do a combination of looking together and venturing off on our own, touching base with cell phones. We both had scheduled meetings with sales reps from favorite company's and lists of new items we were on the hunt for. On this first day we took in one floor of the Javits and the Metropolitan Pavilion. The show closed for the night at six, Isabella headed home while I had more adventure ahead.

A friend, customer and local Gardiner resident was very generous and lent me her place near Union Square. I took advantage of the shows' shuttles and only had to walk a few blocks to my home away from home. Exhausted from my long day I ran a bath and gobbled pizza while preparing my plan of attack for the next day, (all while watching the Olympics, an Olympic event in its self).

"PAT" PATRICIA CERRUTI,NEXT TO THE BIRD CAGE I ORDERED

After a good nights rest with my new friend Paris the cat, I headed to the Piers to meet with Pat. Relationships with sales reps really feed into the business when they are knowledgeable about both their lines and our point of view. HiHo is considered an out post location for most reps, so I really try to put time aside for those who make the trip and I go out of my way to meet with them at the shows.

A BOOTH AT THE PIERS

Seeing the products showcased in their company's created environment never disappoints.The second day was drawing to an end, after walking both Piers I hopped a shuttle for 7 West where drinks and appetizers were being served for late shoppers. Eleven floors of showrooms filled with retail business owners from across the U.S..I LOVED THE VINTAGE LOOK OF THIS NEW FURNITURE

I met with another rep, had a cocktail, a few munchies, and I was off to my home in the city. My husband was arriving for dinner and a over night.....we had dinner on the street, a table for two, watching New York walk by on a beautiful summer evening. More Olympics and planning for my last day at the show.


HUSBAND (RICHARD) AT HOME IN THE CITY...TV AND A BEER

Day three; Isabella is joining me for another day of walking, walking and walking. I visited candy vendors tasting my way through jams, candy canes and chocolates. With Isabella at my side I revisited select booths from the previous two days for a second opinion. It's was great having the feedback and made for a productive day. We shared the bus ride back to New Paltz in the early part of the evening. Now we both eagerly await the delivery of new goods and enjoy the fact that our shops are as lovely as anything we saw at the show.