Lounge Offers Buyers Respite
Chicago — Retailers looking for a brief rest and a lunch break during the ALL CANDY EXPO needed to go no further than the Buyers' Lounge, located high above the show floor, offering panoramic views of the events.
The overall mood among buyers was positive, with several telling Candy & Snack TODAY they were impressed with show attendance and the business-like atmosphere the expo presented.
Many buyers also mentioned the food service provided in the lounge — observing the fare was better than in years past.
Visiting from Philadephia, Casani Candy Co. Inc.'s John (Jack) Lees Sr.
While taking a deserved break in the Buyers' Lounge, John Lees Sr., of Casani Candy Co. Inc., said: “I've found five or six suppliers to fill out my bulk candy needs.” Lees revealed he brought two buyers with him to work the crowded show floor: “There's a lot of people here, and they seem to be prepped for buying.” He said show attendance being up might have been a surprise to some, but he claimed the economy has affected only one thing: “Smaller stores are going out of business. They can't afford to compete.”
Merchants Distributors, Inc.'s Melissa Rasmussen hails from Hickory, NC.
Making her third consecutive ALL CANDY EXPO visit, Melissa Rasmussen, from Merchants Distributors, Inc., described the show as being “a good opportunity to see new products and meet new contacts.” She was pleased with the attendance, especially considering the economy, saying: “In fact, it looks to be up this year,” and she noted the quality of this year's show was equivalent to previous years.
Matt McGraw, of Scripture Candy Inc., Birmingham, AL.
Scripture Candy Inc.'s Matt McGraw said he thought attendance was down compared with 2008, but added: “It's better than I expected. There might be fewer people than last year, but it's not significant.” One of the reasons he claimed he'll be returning next year is because the quality of visitors continues to be at a high level. “I'll definitely be back,” he said.
Show veteran Charlie Lehouillier, of South Water Market, Inc., Chicago.
Attending his seventh ALL CANDY EXPO, Charlie Lehouillier, of South Water Market, Inc., had a reason to be optimistic about the show: “They finally spelled my name right on my badge,” he joked. One change throughout the show's history that he noted is that he can no longer bring his daughter to gauge which products look cool.
