Dallas, Texas was the host city for this year’s International Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) Trade Show, May 3-5, at the International Apparel Mart. Nearly 300 manufacturers of juvenile hard goods, soft goods, and accessories displayed their wares exclusively for retailers and buyers. “The show is open to e-tailers, brick and mortar retailers, and international stores,” says Jennifer Szwalek, vice president of communications at JPMA, “but not to the general public.”
Drawing 3,000 attendees each year, the 2004 International JPMA Trade Show is the largest trade show in North America for the juvenile products industry, says Szwalek. Retailers found what’s new in children’s furniture, car seats, bedding, blankets, breast pumps, baby bowls and spoons, and other related products.
“Every JPMA trade show includes presentations, workshops, and seminars,” says Szwalek, “and this year was no exception.”
Hal Stratton, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was the keynote speaker this year and addressed how CPSC is working with JPMA and the industry. In a separate presentation, CPSC representatives discussed product safety, industry developments, and product recalls.
Baby Talk Magazine’s Consumer Panel offered a unique insight into the buying minds of mothers. The panel, which consisted of mothers from the Dallas area, revealed how store layout, pricing, packaging, and retail displays impact their shopping choices. The panel also discussed why they patronize a chain store or an independent shop.
A special retailers’ seminar told how to design and market retail stores and their individual product lines. Discussion of displays, product purchasing, and store lighting revealed what really makes customers come through the door.
Before the Show
The Industry Reception on opening night was a combination cocktail party and casino night, and the Rest and Relaxation Room at this year’s show was more than a hospitality room. Not only did attendees find a comfy chair to rest their tootsies, but they could get a mini-massage, a Mary Kay makeover, or a facial.
A special pre-show “Appointment Only Day” was held the day before the show opened its doors. On this day, buyers met privately with companies who exhibited at the show. According to Szwalek, this has been a very successful part of the International JPMA Trade Show. Though a set-up day for vendors, many retailers prefer to conduct their business with companies and to visit the trade show floor in a more relaxed atmosphere. “Some retailers/buyers prefer to come in unnoticed,” Szwalek says.
Writer's Bio: The mother of two grown children (an artist and a musician), writer Janie Franz once was a radio announcer and did booking for a rock band.
