Pre-Show Check List

It’s important to plan ahead. Below is a checklist to help you prepare for your trip to the MAGIC Marketplace.

Prepare

• Make notes on your best-selling styles and best selling brands
• Review your merchandise sell-thru and sizes selling
• Hold a meeting with your staff for their opinions and feedback
• Spend time talking to your customer about what they would like to see in your store
• Read up on different fashion magazines for upcoming trends
• Tear out sheets on items that catch your eye
• Be a leader not a follower! Know what is happening and selling in your area by doing your homework! Shop the local competition making notes on price points and brand names.
• Plan your o.t.b (open to buy)
• Register online for market info
• Make your market appointments

Pack

• Re-sale certificate and tax id number
• Projections, otb and calendar appointments
• Business cards: keep them with you even during social event
• Notebook, pens and calculators
• Order sheets
• Phone book: you never know who you might have to call when you are far from home
• Mini stapler to staple cards to order sheets or cards in to your notebook
• Large totebag for all the line sheets
• Cell phone and charger
• Laptop for checking e-mails and working orders at night. Most hotels have a business center that you can check e-mail as well

Program

• Start early
• Pick up the MAGIC show guides to map out your day. Note the booths and vendors you want to see or with whom you have appointments.
• Walk row by row, floor by floor. You never know what you may find.
• Don’t be shy. If you see a busy booth, ask what time would be good for you to come back.
• Network: build a group of market friends that you can have lunch or dinner with and share experiences.
• Set a goal of visiting 10 new vendors per market.
• Write your order at the show! It can be overwhelming to try to do it when you get back home