Trunk Show Season - Time to shop for the holidays!
A trunk show is a special sale in which vendors present merchandise directly to select customers at a retail location, a private home or another unique venue. In many cases it allows retailers to preview and/or purchase merchandise before it is made available to the public. It is also particularly desirable for the vendor to be face to face with potential customers - it is a great market research tool for the vendor. It is so valuable to be face to face with a customer and get their feedback straight on. You can find out the things they like and dislike about your product, what things your product is missing (certain sizes, styles, material, etc.), and what they think about your price points.
Toronto’s Trunk Show circuit for “Mompreneur”-made products really gets going in early November. If you are looking for great holiday gifts, these shows are a great way to find unique gifts for everyone (not just kids) and support local entrepreneurs. The events are usually also a great fun outing, with speakers and activities for everyone. Most trunk shows usually also sponsor a charity so this is also a great way to support a local group (Sick Kids Hospital, Jesse’s Foundation, among others).
Also, if you are someone in the process of launching a new product that targets moms and families in particular, these shows are a great chance to be in front of your potential customer. The costs are reasonable and the market research is of huge value.
Two of the bigger shows we are participating in as vendors in Toronto are the Children’s Trunk Show at the Distillery District and the Mom2Mom Toronto Show at the CNIB Building in Toronto. We will also take part in a number of shows in Toronto’s private schools, but these types of shows take place all over the GTA (another one we know of is the Mommies Lounge, with shows in Vaughn and Richmond Hill).
Finally, one useful tip if you are thinking of attending one of these shows, is to bring cash as some of these businesses are in their early stages and do not accept credit or debit.
Have fun and come support local mompreneurs!
Maria
PerryWinkles Kids Blog » Baby Slings - Good For Both Mom And Baby said,
October 23, 2007 @ 10:59 am
[…] Based in Toronto, Pippalily slings are designed to sit comfortably on your hip. They have a great selection of beautiful designs in silk and cotton and all their slings are machine washable. Well worth the $75 they retail for on their website! You can also find them at the Toronto Children’s Trunk Show. […]