After much gentle but persistent nagging by Connie : ) here is my review of 2010 Columbus Winterfair~
Both Dennis and I exhibited this year and were very happy that the directors John Barr and Carole Snyder again accommodated our booth requests to be side-by-side (so important for couples who are traveling and showing in the same venue.) I had a new booth and lighting layout I wanted to try so I spent a lot of time setting up on Thursday-the committee was able to get us extended set- up time and I was grateful for that.
Friday started off with promise; busy, sales holding steady, less for me than Dennis, but still acceptable. Saturday slowed down for almost all in our immediate vicinity, including us. The first real snow of the season was forecast and perhaps that slowed folks down. I talked to a number of mid-price range jewelers like me and they almost all reported soft sales-still, there were plenty of people, a lot of good energy, but cautious, skittish buying ruled the day. I could not seem to close a sale for hours. I took bets with my neighbor on how fast I could run someone out of the booth just by saying,"Hello." Dennis's sales (ceramic sculpture) were way down as well. High-end jewelers, functional ceramics and fiber/clothing seemed to be doing quite well.
Dennis, being the lovable curmudgeon he is, pronounced the show "all done" by Saturday afternoon, and I wondered if my new booth layout had been a mistake. However, Sunday buyers rescued most people I spoke with, and even Dennis ended up with sales a little higher than last year (forcing him to recant his pronouncement and for those of you who know him, you can imagine how much he liked doing that.)
Many artists had ongoing doubts about Winterfair's decision to include a "market" of gourmet food, soap and sauce vendors; They are able to provide the buyer with an under $10 gift and most artists can't even venture near that price point. Still it helps bring in the folks which helps create a better buying energy-so for me it's a toss-up...my vote is still out on that. Plus I like buying handmade soaps and lotions, as well as fun holiday mixes and sauces and it's about the only opportunity I get since I refuse to go to the malls, especially during the holidays.
Overall, the show committee did a great job of promotion with a lot of community advertising and it showed. They were attentive and addressed issues promptly. They have made smart decisions about the length of the show, changing it from a four-day to a three-day event. Our experience with the Winterfair staff has always been positive. The buyers may be more cautious,but there's nothing new about that in the current economic climate.
Given Ohio's economy, it seems that Winterfair Columbus is holding its own.
