Veteran buyers share a few tricks, tips and other info — in and out of the show halls — for making the most of a trip to the trade fairs.
Ed Burstell, managing director, Liberty
Useful tips: Paris has the most horrendous traffic problems of virtually any civilized city in the world, so plan your transportation well in advance. Don’t wear heels, carry water, make lunch reservations and be sure to do your homework on brands up front. No use in wasting time if you are looking for lamps and they are selling sofas!
Trendspotting: Most of the trends come from independent shops and off the street, so keep your eyes open. Make sure you see Merci, Assouline, Caravane for textiles, Odorantes for flowers, Astier de Villatte, Isabel Marant, all of the Marais especially Alaïa, and Rick Owens in the Palais Royal. Stay far away from Colette and LV — or risk getting trampled by the Japanese.
Hot spots: Stop in L’Avenue for lunch and people-watching, Chez Paul for authentic fare, Café Flore for its rude but fun service, L’Ami Louis for the most expensive kosher chicken on the planet, and hit the Saint-Ouen flea market at Porte de Clignancourt in the 18th.
Tracy Bradford, vice president and divisional merchandise manager, Neiman Marcus Direct
The plus side: Trade shows are a destination for us to see both our current vendor structure as well as new vendors. I love that we can see many vendors much more quickly than going back and forth in the city to many, many showrooms. The shows enable us to see vendors that we couldn’t see otherwise. We are focused at shows with appointments scheduled; however, we often spot a new vendor that looks exciting or on trend.
Trendspotting: Trends that we saw this past market are shades of coral, pendant necklaces, coral and turquoise jewelry, flat sandals, boho inspiration.
Useful tips: Preregistration is always helpful. Working early with our larger vendors is always great (prior to the show “officially” opening). This allows for more privacy and focus.
Ann Comerford, group buyer for accessories, Brown Thomas
Useful tips: I look for excitement and newness and I have a shopping list. It’s all about headwear and soft accessories for me at the shows. I take pictures and notes and work the orders later. This allows me to cover as many shows as possible.
Pet peeve: As Paris is the most important for me, Premiere Classe, Tranoï, etc., should try and centralize to one big location, as it is very difficult to get around. There is a lot of precious time wasted traveling from A to B.
Natalie Kingham, international women’s wear buyer, Matches
The plus side: I go with an open mind, hoping to find something different and interesting for our clientele. I maximize my time by being very focused and only stopping to talk at stands that really hold an interest for me, otherwise I would never have time to do it all.
Trendspotting: I don’t always feel there are strong trends at trade shows, but am very interested in what the buyers and press are wearing. This is a good barometer of trends for me.
Useful tips: Have plenty of business cards, comfortable shoes and enjoy looking at the designs everyone has worked hard on. Make sure you are very interested in the product before engaging in conversation.