St. Pucchi’s Rani Totman Gets Flirty in a Me-Too Wedding Dress Business

Posted on February 23, 2013 Written by 1 Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

The wedding dress business remains a blurred vision in a Sea of White. Designers struggle to stand out at bridal markets, as attendance shrinks, regardless of how much producers of the markets disagree or try to accentuate the positive while downplaying the facts. Clearly the wedding dress business is over-saturated.

Discussions with bridal retailers lament of the growing problem of brides walking into their stores, taking up their time and then buying the same gown online for a fraction of the price.  On the QT bridal store owners tell eWedNewz of the homogeneous nature of the business and how buying from the most successful manufacturer hurts business, just as much as it helps.

“You need to own a certain portion of styles that are advertised and marketed to get the consumer through the door. They usually come in looking for a better price; once they’re in the door, it’s up to a smart retailer to sell them something unique that’s not really available everywhere– at the higher price, if you want to make any money for your efforts,” say retailers on the QT.

eWedNewz caught up with Rani Totman, President and Designer of St. Pucchi, who says her 2013 designs are filling a niche for retailers faced with the growing concerns. In an eWedNewz exclusive statement, Totman says;

“The reception to our newest collection has been overwhelming. What’s special about this collection is that it has something for everyone; drama for the bold bride, simple elegance for the demure bride and even short dresses for the playful bride. The collection as a whole tells a story and enchants any bride from any walk of life.”

 

Manufacturers, retailers and media agree how saturated the wedding dress business has become and how difficult it is to stand out from the crowd.

61% of an ongoing poll says the wedding dress business is pretty bad or the worse its ever been. What do you think?

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2013

 

 

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, General News, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Trade shows, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry Tagged: , , ,

The Wedding Business in Worse Shape than First Thought

Posted on December 26, 2012 Written by 9 Comments

By Paul Pannone

An ongoing eWedNewz investigation shows the wedding business is in worse shape than anyone is willing to admit. Information and interviews across all channels of the business, including the part reported to be the most important; the dress business, shows severe damage caused by the collapse of the economy in 2008 and a slow recovery through 2011 and most of 2012.

Like brides, dresses come in all colors, not just white. Tuxedos have been replaced by black suits, navy and tan colors and everything you can imagine.

eWedNewz watches trends that includes the longer wait of men and women deciding to get married. The average age for first-time marriages continues to rise.

“The median age for a man’s first marriage was 28.2 years in 2010, up from 26.1 in 1990. The median age for a woman’s first marriage was 26.1 years in 2010, up from 23.9 in 1990,” according to www.infoplease.com  sourcing  U.S. Bureau of the Census information.

According to Census information the combined average age of men and women since 1960 has increased nearly 21% and has continues to rise world-wide. World trends show an even greater increase to resisting marriage. In the UK the average age for men and women hit 30 years this year citing Pew research while exploring probable causes.

Shedding tradition and traditional values continues to affect the number of marriages but also the formality of those weddings that do take place. Stylish, non-traditional weddings express the thoughts of couples who no longer want to be told what to wear, how to feel or plan their day.

Trends and shifts from normal wedding business finds those who plan to stay in the business are forced to change their operations to adapt to the shrinking numbers. Khalilah Olokunola of A Boxed Event and member of the Wedding Water Cooler shared her thoughts in the controversial forum:

“Many vendors I know have tripled up-not fine tuning their business to meet the demands of the changed times but instead (add) a whole new business . IT seems acceptable in some circles to be the baker, designer, director,planner and videographer- and no I’m not making that up there is a business that offers that.

Gone seems the days where you have to have skill and experience before you could add a title to your name. If you truly want to be successful you have to work hard, hustle hard and accept constructive criticism from more seasoned veterans. Geez I do all the time , I’m a coolie.

With brides and other “socialistas” decreasing their average budgets we all find ourselves redeveloping our business plans and offerings but still maintaining our integrity by offering the better bang for your buck,” says Khalilah.

Khalilah and others say the wedding business is flooded with services and products, challenging the pricing ability for vendors who seem to increase faster in numbers than the market shrinks. Plainly put there is no more need or room for another DJ, gown manufacturer, limousine company or any of the products to create traditional weddings. There are even too many catering facilities who’ve been forced to service a broader spectrum of events to keep rooms, kitchens and workers busy.

While investigating the story about the wedding dress business we’ve uncovered a growing number of outside sources infiltrating the business forcing manufacturers to take action. Recent advancements in the fight against pirates who’ve crippled the wedding dress business received no credit from skeptics who say the damage is too deep, too wide-spread and can never return to normal levels.

Across all channels eWedNewz watches and reports the changes taking place at places like David’s Bridal down to the smallest bridal stores who say they’re ready to throw in the towel. Decisions to sell majority equity stakes to investors like the one involving Jim’s Formal Wear become more and more common-place. Store closures servicing the wedding business are expected to increase, as manufacturers and suppliers tell eWedNewz they can no longer manage growing debt because accounts can’t meet their obligations.

Newsstand sale of bridal magazines continues to plummet giving some ammunition to pundits who say digital is killing print. But a closer look by eWedNewz shows grandfather wedding websites like TheKnot.com are also taking a pounding. eWedNewz exposé  stories about scandal, sexual debauchery and reported mismanagement of resources culminated in the death of morph digital/print companies like Get Married. So-far the rebirth of the company failed to come close in recapturing the glory the original launch created before the crash in 2008, now that the wedding business is older and wiser about the fairy-dust that surrounds them.

Planners of all sizes, including celebrity, say they’re looking to exit the business or expand into a broader range of services, no longer able to cut costs or charge enough fees to make it worth their while. Even “Wedding Market Gurus”, A.K.A, snake oil salespeople, are finding it difficult, if not impossible to charge speaking fees they did just a few short years ago. Most avoid our questions and keep pounding their drum of bullshit, acting as though everything is fine, while others see the changes and become alarmist, claiming to have the answer in some seminar or class.

Even hopefuls who thought the addition of Same-sex marriages to the wedding market, backed by the leader of the free world, say the events has so-far been just a small blip on the screen.

Olokunola again gave her view on how some of the troubles could be fixed:

“When the people who govern wedding magazine, trade shows and associations get real maybe– just maybe– it’ll get better. It’ll make it harder for scammers to scam and players to play and when we stick together as a whole. I believe a shift will take place towards an up direction and its there that the industry can begin again,” she said in the WWC forum.

Christine Boulton of Think Like A Bride told the Cooler how some companies are successful in the very tough business climate.

“There has been some serious restructuring in our business over the last four years. Business owners have changed their thinking; they are going after new markets and they have stepped away from an attitude of arrogance. In short, they stopped thinking of themselves as “artist” and begun to see themselves as businesses.”

Endless discussions clearly show the end of the wedding business as it once was. Is it time to stop discussing and look at what the information clearly tells us?

 

In an ongoing poll 32% of respondents so-far say the wedding business is rebounding but slowly.

What do you say?

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2012

Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Guide Magazine, Bridal Magazines, Bridal Shops, Bridal Shows, BRIDES Magazine, catering, Celebrity, Data, DIY, DJ Disc Jockeys, Economic news, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, Florists, General News, GLBT, Invitations, Jewelry, Limousines, Martha Stewart, Men's formal wear, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Photography, Poll, Promotions, Publications, Research, retail, Social Media, The Groom, The Internet, The Knot, Trade shows, tuxedos, Uncategorized, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

FLOW to Donate Part of Proceeds to Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund

Posted on August 8, 2012 Written by 3 Comments

By Paul Pannone

eWedNewz has learned of a campaign by FLOW Formals, makers of Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and other branded men’s tuxedos, to give a portion of sales of a specified style tuxedo to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief fund. The plan was released yesterday in Atlanta to trade partners explaining the move to the formal wear industry before releasing details to the public.

The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund was chose because of their low cost of operation and dedication to helping the families of military persons killed serving America.

 

“It’s a great cause and one that is very charitable. We looked at several organizations and picked the Children of Fallen Soldiers because of the way the organization operates and how dedicated the efforts are,” according to Brian Weintraub of FLOW.

The organization was founded in October 2003 to help families surviving children and spouses of our U.S. military service members who lost their lives serving their country.

“Administrative costs of running the organization are very low (between 3-8% according to CFSRF’s website) and that means the money is really getting to family members of the soldiers– that’s very important,” Weintraub told eWedNewz.

 

 Further details will be released, as they become available. If you would like to donate please visit www.cfsrf.com

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2012

Filed Under: Charity Work, eWedNewz, General News, Trade shows, tuxedos, Wedding Charities Tagged: , , , ,

Pirated Products a Concern to many Wedding Business Owners

Posted on June 7, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

The response to a new organization promising to protect, defend and uphold the rights of wedding business owners grows stronger with every mention of the American Bridal and Prom Industry Association. The concept for the organization originally started because of the rampant abuses experienced in the bridal dress business. But an ongoing eWedNewz investigation shows the mission of the new organization is to bring relief, benefits and services to the entire wedding industry at large.

 

Camille Thomas, owner of Illusions Bridal Veils, says she’s been trying fight off online pirates on her own for years. Thomas says she welcomes the help that’s on its way.

An eWedNewz story in March, 2012, listed suspected websites that pirate merchandise, images or both, hurting legitimate businesses. Many reports from business owners say they’ve tried to fight off the abusive practices on their own but to no avail.

Camille Thomas, owner of  Illusions Bridal Veils in Fruita, Colorado responded to the eWedNewz story saying;

“I own Illusions Bridal Veils and these businesses have stolen my pictures as well as many of the other websites listed above.  Very frustrating because this hurts my business and all of my customers business.  I have been trying to get all of these types of sites to remove my pictures for almost 2 years.  Most of them don’t care so the pictures remain.  I went to great expense to take new pictures last year and I am sure it won’t be long until they steal those too,” said Camille.

An ongoing eWedNewz poll shows business owner support an organization that would help them fight off piracy. Steve Lang, the driving force behind the campaign and new organization, told eWedNewz he envisions an organization that would do much more.

“Of course we would fight against piracy; but the industry needs much more than just that. They need valuable information and tools to operate in today’s new business environment.”

According to Lang the bylaws and structure of the organization forms a cohesive way for members and supporters to work together and accomplish what the fragmented wedding business will never achieve on its own. Pooled resources and proper legal guidance are part of the organization, guided by leadership from successful business people like Lang.

Camille Thomas added her support for Lang and what he’s doing for the industry;

“I was so happy to see that Steve Lang has started to fight back against the chinese businesses who are killing our wedding industry.  They have absolutely no regard for laws or the fact that they are stealing other people’s images to sell their own merchandise.  It is impossible for my customers to compete with these businesses when they are selling the same merchandise for next to nothing.  This issue has been the main problem in my business for the past couple years and I will gladly stand behind anyone who has the knowledge and resources to fight this,” Camille told eWedNewz.

The American Bridal and Prom Industry Association has over a half million dollars in cash and media commitments to fund the campaign and organization. According to Lang, the legal team has not accessed any of the money in the coffer; they’ve used their own time and resources and those of Mon Cheri to bootstrap the launch.

The ABPIA meets today to ratify board members, finalize bylaws and other matters including a website to share information with its members.

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2012

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, Bridal Shops, Current Events, DJ Disc Jockeys, eWedNewz, Florists, General News, Invitations, Jewelry, Limousines, Men's formal wear, Officiants, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Photography, Poll, Promotions, Proms, retail, Social Media, The Groom, The Internet, Trade shows, tuxedos, Uncategorized, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , ,

Boulton’s Brilliant Wedding Marketing Book is a Blast

Posted on April 3, 2012 Written by 2 Comments

By Paul Pannone

 

For over two years we’ve told you about Christine Boulton from Think Like a Bride, quoting her in many eWedNewz stories about the wedding business. In that time we’ve seen Christine rise from a local market adviser to national notoriety, quoted by other established wedding professionals. But now Boulton’s new book, Brilliant Wedding Marketing, takes the guesswork out of what she says about certain subjects covering them in a clear, concise way that no fairy dust seminar can ever come near.

 

Wedding marketing is tough. Christine’s new book makes it simpler to understand.

Boulton’s book follows another controversial book, Bridal Show Success, that irritated show producers around the country by telling the truth about what works in booth design and follow-up campaigns that did not fit into their sanctioning.

Now, Boulton does it again by getting endorsements from other wedding marketing organizations including Perfect Wedding Guide.

“I bought Brilliant Wedding Marketing last week and read it in one sitting!  As a representative of “the wedding media” with my own print publication, wedding website, database marketing program and bridal shows, it’s refreshing to read a book written by someone who just “gets it.”  I’ve read a lot of things out there from so called “wedding marketing experts” but none of them have been in the trenches like Christine.  Let me tell you – from my position – nothing is more frustrating to see wedding vendors waste opportunities to make a sale because they can’t get their head out of the sand.   This book will open your eyes and show you how to make your wedding marketing WORK because it CAN.  No more telling yourself “marketing and advertising just doesn’t work for ME” – YOU have to make it work.  I LOVE how much time Christine spends on company websites – it really does start there and NO amount of ad dollars will work for you if it’s leading brides to a website that won’t peak bride’s interests.  This book is a MUST READ.  I’m going to recommend it to all of our advertisers.  You spend thousands and thousands of dollars on marketing your business, wouldn’t you spend $20 to make sure it works?”

Sale of the books together as a package has helped wedding professionals cut the learning curve on topics like Social Media and improving conversion of leads to sales. But Boulton focuses the most attention on creating and maintaining the most powerful tool she feels is the difference between success and SUCCESS.

“The best money spent is making sure any size company has a really great website. Brides today can look at a site and know when they’re not going to use a company. You have one shot to get their attention. Forget not having a website, you have no chance at all,” she told eWedNewz.

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2012

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, General News, Trade shows, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Venue, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , ,

Dallas Bridal Market Draws Little More than a Yawn

Posted on March 22, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

The Dallas Bridal market drew little attention over the weekend, as a struggling wedding dress business tries to recover from structural damage  sustained by outside forces impeding normal business. The usual companies did the bulk of business leaving smaller companies wondering why they even bother to show up.

 

Weddings are down, buying online is up, more competition from department stores offering non-sanctioned wedding industry dress products spells disaster for wedding dress trade shows.

 

Sources familiar with the story told eWedNewz, “The Dallas show people are flying buyers in and putting them up in hotels to boost traffic for exhibitors.”

If that is the case; buyers cannot be bought to attend shows. This clearly signals there is less dress sales for the less significant bridal suppliers.

Sources name the Chicago Bridal market as the strongest overall show producer with the greatest support and attendance in the fall.

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2012

Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, Bridal Shows, General News, retail, Trade shows, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events Tagged: , , ,

The Week of November 14th in Review

Posted on November 19, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

Buyer beware warnings continue to go out to brides using online websites to buy their wedding gowns. According to experts an unusually high rate of dissatisfaction with little or no recourse ties into dealing with websites originating in China. The number one story is being read by consumers as well as wedding industry businesses making it the number one wedding related story this week.

Brides and consumers are searching and finding information that helps guide them from costly mistakes. eWedNewz information informs brides but infuriates fairy dust sales people.

 

eWedNewz continues our investigation into the invitation business and its disruption by the internet and DIY activity. The sudden and unexplained failure of Encore Studio became the lightning rod of discussion involving the health of the invitation business, stranding vendors and brides that put their faith in the company. eWedNewz discussed the events with a spokesperson for the Stationery show noticing a very high level of sensitivity common among all wedding related show producers these days. The investigation continues.

In all parts of the wedding business the growing challenges to remain viable in a declining market deflate most arguments of a robust business, even from the largest recognized entity. The Knot admitted the challenges to investors in a recent filing shocking wedding experts that never thought they live to see the day the company would come clean.

Regis Philbin graciously said goodbye to the daily grind of live television. The 80 year-old veteran was always seen in proper dress including formal wear for formal occasions. The tuxedo business is left in the hands of younger representatives, tagged with the daunting task of appealing to a generation of users that do not want to be caught dead in their father’s tuxedo.

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Bridal Shows, Celebrity, DIY, Economic news, eWedNewz, General News, Invitations, Men's formal wear, retail, Social Media, The Groom, The Knot, The Week in Review, Trade shows, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Invitation Business in Turmoil

Posted on November 15, 2011 Written by 2 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

The wedding business continues to evolve and change, moving away from traditional and costly methods that no longer appeal to today’s couples. Several areas of the wedding business have been hard hit including invitations, replaced by DIY and less costly products.

Simple but elegant?

 

Distress in the business is being watched after the sudden failure and closure of Encore Studios in September. eWedNewz reported the company would not exhibit at the National Stationery Show back in May, sending up a red flag to the health of the company that ended in the failure. Unofficial statements from Brian Lawrence, a former employee of the company, told eWedNewz the owners would divert the money that normally was spent at the show to other more productive programs for their accounts. The statement proved false and eventually left accounts and consumers in the lurch.

eWedNewz has now learned other companies did not participate in the show over the past few seasons. Producers of the show are reaching out trying to recruit supporters to help bring back some of the lost exhibitors. eWedNewz obtained this letter appealing for help: 

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing many of the Delegates during the May 2011 edition of the National Stationery Show. Your deep commitment to the Show and passion for our industry is inspiring, and it is a true privilege to have your advocacy.
 
     Looking ahead to the 2012 National Stationery Show, it is our goal to re-engage many of the companies that have taken time off so that NSS can continue to showcase the breadth and depth of the social stationery category.   Past experience has proven that when we partner with our loyal retail friends to work toward this goal, the mutual influence heeds results!
 
      May I call upon you to be an ambassador in our efforts either through phone calls, e-mails or face to face conversations?
 
      If you are willing to assist, I would provide a list of key vendors, contact information for them and some general talking points as a tool.  I would ask you to identify the companies on the list with whom you have a relationship and would be comfortable calling.  A quick phone call is all it takes to plant the seeds in these early planning stages. My team and I will follow up with each vendor in the coming weeks and months after we know the outcome of your effort.
        I know how busy you are, particularly at this time of year.  Let me say thank you in advance if you are able assist and accept my invitation to attend our flagship educational program “Future Conference” on Sunday morning May 20th.  
 

eWedNewz is following up this story and welcomes your views.

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, DIY, Economic news, General News, Invitations, Trade shows, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Scared Wedding Show Producers are Very Sensitive to Market Conditions and the Truth

Posted on October 18, 2011 Written by 3 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

Show producers are keeping a low profile these days as a very soft market wakes up exhibitors that are just about ready to make tough decisions involving where they are putting their resources. eWedNewz continues our investigation into the growing supply of wedding dresses in a shrinking market and what to expect next season.

In New York this week lower expectations pleasantly surprised exhibitors that said traffic was as good as last season at the Pier’s show.  The Piers was called the stronger of the major shows but failed to meet the expectations of its premier in 2010 when exhibitors looked to 2011 and said the show would continue to grow.

Jane Heflin is a wonderful, well-respected wedding industry veteran. Her name sounds regal and from a bygone time and Hollywood greatness. But the Intercontinental show is also felt to be from another era and could be on its last legs, according to a growing consensus. Numerous attempts to get her side of the story remain ignored. Jane, give us a call and tell us what’s happening in your world. 

 

 

The Intercontinental show continued to diminish, according to sources that walked both shows. Other events and shows in the New York area also came up light on traffic.    

“As you know, many people consider Maggie the top resource in the market.  You couldn’t prove that by the show attendance.Only about one-third of the seats at the show were filled with buyers.  I’m not sure if this reflects diminishing interest in the line or if it reflects the fact that attendance at the Intercontinental isn’t as strong as attendance at the Piers.  When I traveled to the Piers only an hour later, there seemed to be a lot of buyers mulling about. 

I wasn’t impressed with the show — but I’m a tough critic.  There wasn’t enough diversity in the gown styling to suit my taste.  Virtually all of the gowns were strapless, had dropped waistlines, and big ball gown skirts.  About 95% of them had sequined belts.  The show was significantly paired down from the number of dresses  I saw in Chicago.  Therefore, I can only assume that the NY show included only the gowns that Maggie considers best sellers.  I’m not a retailer so I can’t speak with real authority.  However, I don’t understand why everyone gets so excited about this line,” reported Jim Duhe.

Duhe made the statement before he was taken to a local hospital after traipsing around town to cover the shows he felt were important. After covering markets for decades, Duhe feels there are too many shows and too much redundancy.

eWedNewz coverage resulted in a crush of comments to people mentioned in the story that gave their account of traffic and what is happening in the market.

“I don’t know what they’re so upset about; the story was dead on and actually very positive,” according to Phillip Cornier.

Cornier covered the Piers, the Intercontinental and smaller shows and agrees something has to change.

Powerhouse exhibitors told eWedNewz our continued coverage and reporting remains fair, accurate and truthful, also saying they’re going to revisit how and where company resources will be doled out from now on.

Steve Lang told eWedNewz,”I am pulling out of everything and consolidating into the Piers show; in consideration for my customers. It will also be helpful to the people in my company, all being together in one place. It just makes better sense,” according to Lang.

Sources hearing the news say it makes better sense for all the reasons stated. They also feel lang is among the most respected in the business and others will follow his lead.

Repeated attempts to contact the people at both shows remain ignored. Sources near the story say they fear eWedNewz and our ability to reach the wedding industry with the truth.

Attempts to reach show producers are ongoing.

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, Bridal Shops, Bridal Shows, Economic news, eWedNewz, General News, Paul Pannone, Publications, retail, Social Media, The Knot, Trade shows, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

New York Bridal Show Reports say Traffic is Better than Expected

Posted on October 17, 2011 Written by 1 Comment

By Paul Pannone

Reports from both the Piers and the smaller intercontinental Couture show in New York say traffic was surprisingly good this weekend, considering the timing and number of shows throughout the season. Critics of both shows said they’re impressed at the support, given the declining state of the wedding industry and increasing competition in all categories, especially bridal.

Fearing a dumbing down exodus away from true bridal salons, manufacturers are suddenly more supportive of the their industry and customers. Some told eWedNewz they’re strengthening relationships with their account base, knowing that product is easy to find everywhere.

 ”We invest in our customers because their health and success is directly ties into what we do,” says Steve lang of Mon Cheri.

Lang and Mon Cheri walked away with three DEBI awards in Chicago and reports good traffic in New York. Lang says his company has written a good amount of orders in all bridal shows this season and business is up for the year. Lang told eWNz Chicago was the best show for him.

 

Philip Cornier attended all bridal markets this season and is watching how all the shows position themselves.

 

Other reports say the Pier’s show is as busy as it was last year in its first show but not showing the significant growth expected at the end of the 2010 event. Also contrary to parting statements last season is the surprising support for the Couture show at the Intercontinental hotel. Sources told eWedNewz the “Knot” show was not long for this world and would eventually fold.

Philip Cornier told eWedNewz traffic was good in New York and was also surprised at how well all the markets did.

“We’re the new kid on the block so we’re doing well. I think that all the people who have built solid relationships over the years are doing better than most,” according to Cornier.

Consistent reports from veteran sources in the bridal business say they’ve adjusted their business to coincide with the timing of the shows as best they can. 

Larry Warshaw of Justin Alexander told eWedNewz, ” The Wedding Channel Couture show people could not have been more accommodating and the hotel staff has been fabulous. We are in a Hotel room with no walk by traffic, but we scheduled appointments and the customers are coming and buying.”

 Warshaw reiterated the late timing of the shows and how it impacts deliveries to customers. According to a previous statement by Warshaw, buyers that placed orders earlier in the year are done buying. But in an updated statement he told eWNz,

“Orders from these shows tend to be shipped in February and March and miss the season. Brides get their Rings and start shopping in December/January, so it’s always nice to have product in the stores when the brides are visiting the shops. I am surprised there are people in New York who are happy to get the later deliveries.”

Warshaw wished the exhibiting manufacturers well at the bigger Piers show.

Some sad news, Jim Duhe had to be transported to a nearby hospital from one of the fashion shows on Sunday Night. Duhe told eWNz he was better and expects to be out of the hospital shortly. 

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, Bridal Shows, Economic news, General News, Trade shows, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts