​Spring is here! Well, almost here, depending on when you read this. Since I was young, I’ve always heard people talking about spring cleaning. The funny thing is, I never remember my mom ever really spring cleaning, but I have done it all my adult life. And this year as always, I couldn’t help myself! The weather has been so delightful. It seemed a waste not to enjoy it all day long. So, I pulled back the curtains, pulled up the blinds, opened the windows in my of office and actually started cleaning.

It’s amazing how a little fresh air can give you that much needed burst of energy. And how a room seems to come alive when the sun beams in. I spent the afternoon organizing files and shredding piles of unneeded paperwork. I sorted through duffle bags, drawers and closets and found all sorts of items I’d forgotten about, unopened mail, business cards, mementos from past shows, and even a travel pillow I’d thought I lost!

At sunset, I ended my first day of spring cleaning, or what I am now calling Day of Discovery, made a cup of coffee, then sat back and admired the wood tones of my desk that had been hidden under clutter for months. With this renewed sense of purpose, I made a commitment to spend the rest of March cleaning and uncovering other areas of my life. And I challenge all of you, our loyal readers (and closet procrastinators), to make the commitment this month. 31 days to clean, declutter, organize, renew and REFRESH one or more areas or your life that have been neglected for way too long. Don’t forget to share with us what you discover!

Until next time,
Eliana Barriga
​eliana@retailobserver.com

It’s March madness time again. I am not talking about college hoops, I’m talking about trade shows! March is the busiest month of the year by far for the trade shows we promote and partner with.

The month kicks off with the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Expo in Atlanta on March 1-4. If you are selling outdoor or hearth products this is a show you don’t want to miss. My favorite area is always the outdoor burn area where manufacturers show of their wares and usually ends with a good meal.

March 16-19 is the ever-exciting Architectural Digest Home Design Show in NY, where many manufacturers will be launching new products. From appliances and plumbing to contemporary art and furniture. This event is one of our industries’ premier shows. Overlapping this show is the International Home + Housewares Show held on March 18-21 in Chicago. I am always excited to go to this show and play with the newest gizmos and gadgets. Countertop appliances, kitchen accessories and even more connected products will be on display this year.

March is Buy Fair month as well, with BrandSource in Orlando (5-8), Nationwide in New Orleans (19-22) and Mega Group (27-30) also in the Big Easy. I’m sure the manufacturers and reps will be sharpening a lot of pencils to keep up with the orders that will be flowing in from these exciting and educationally formatted events.

Lastly are the ASD Marketweek Trade Show (19-22) in Las Vegas, this B2B trade show brings the world’s widest variety of retail merchandise together in one efficient shopping experience. Global Shop (28-30) and Digital Signage Expo (28-31) are also in Las Vegas and are allowing you to use your tickets to enter both shows. Global Shop is the only trade show that combines retail design, merchandising, shopper-facing technology & marketing under one roof, while DSE is the world’s largest trade show of digital display and interactive technologies.

I suggest you get your calendars set, tickets in hand and bags packed. This is going to be a long month with lots of exciting events. Hope to see you there and if you see me first, say hello and let me know how your business is doing and what we can do to help you grow.

Happy retailing and safe travels,
Moe Lastfogel
moe@retailobserver.com