Christmas Made in the South (CMITS) kicks off our holiday tour. The CMITS shows are a family run business that treats their crafters and artists like one big extended family. These are indoor shows (love it) that take place in SC, GA and FL. There are anywhere from about 200 to 400 artists depending on the show. There is extensive publicity on radio, direct mailers, billboards, TV and newspapers. There are long lines of shoppers waiting for the doors to open. Many of the shoppers spend two or even three days with their shopping lists and personal buggies. At CMITS you will find a huge assortment of holiday arts, crafts, foods, music, toys, clothes, jewelry – you name it. There are always some fine art offerings that provide an alternative for the high-end shopper. In fact, many of who buy from us say “I am buying this as a present for myself.” We also have follow-ups via email and the web. At this show you will see plenty of shoppers walking out with bags large and small. Price points are across the board. I’ve participated in CMITS shows the past 3 years in Macon, Savannah, Augusta, Jacksonville and this year we added Columbus, GA. In all honesty we have done well in some shows and just OK in others. And my sales have been good one year and marginal another year. It appears to me those who sell food, jewelry, children’s gifts or Christmas decoration type items have steady reliable sales.
Image # 1 - Shoppers with their personal buggies and bags lined up and ready to start shopping.
Image # 2 - Plenty of potential customers all three days.
Comments
Way cool, Dann. Have you ever heard of Richard Florida? He pioneered the concept of "Cool Cities" and his thesis is that the creative class is what can refocus and help tired places to thrive. I heard him speak a couple of times and this James Brown naming thing is something he loves. He thought the Pittsburgh airport should be renamed the Andy Wahrol Airport and I've been thinking for sometime that Detroit Metro should be Stevie Wonder International, or Marvin Gaye. It's wonderful when a city embraces popular culture. It says a lot about the area. But isn't Augusta a college town with a big music culture?
Connie, Augusta not only named the arena after James Brown, they commissioned a terrific life sized bronze downtown of him on the main downtown street. Augusta's very proud of the 'King of Soul'.
It seems you have done all of the CMITS shows except the one in Concord, NC. It sounds like all of the CMITS shows are about the same, sometimes they are good and sometimes they are OK. I did the Concord one last year and this year. Last year I barely broke even, but this year I made a decent profit. I redesigned my booth and paid to get a corner this year. I'm sure both things helped my sales. I was considering doing the Savannah show next November, so thank you for posting your review.
Thanks Melaine. I tend to take the Thumper approach. "If you can't say somethin nice, don't say nothin tall." Although I have when called for added notes where shows have room for improvement.
Thanks for your reviews Maryllis. It is nice to see some positive show talk and reviews again on AFI
Hi Connie, I am a photographer. The art I take to shows range from $2. note cards to matted prints for $30 or $45 to framed canvas for for $150 to $325. My road "gallery" is a bit eclectic ranging from magnolia blooms to beach scenes and lighthouses to farm images. What they all have in common is what I call "Calgon moments". They are all designed to "take you away" and that is what seems to appeal to my customers. I think you are right in that part of my success is due to the fact that there are only a few other 2D options and we therefore stand out. We are also careful to show our best with ample lighting and a professional display. We dress for success. We engage our visitors in conversation. I always say "we" here because while I am the photographer artist, my best friend (husband) is the one who is the booth engineer, best salesperson, and business/financial adviser. I could not / would not do this without him. I would also confess my expectation of success may not be the same as others. I am still amazed people pay money for what I just enjoy doing. I've only been shooting for about 5 or 6 years. I'm self taught in the digital camera and Photoshop. I am happy when I clear $1000 or more in a weekend. I am amazed when I take in home more than $3000 in a weekend. For those that want to see my work please go to http://crazywcreations.com.
I didn't know anything about this organization, so headed to their website to learn more. What I learned is that the people in August, GA, really have it right, their arena is named the James Brown Arena. Good for them for honoring him!
What kind of work do you do, Maryllis? what are your price points? I believe you have 2D work. Do you think you can make this gift show work for you because there is little competition for 2D? or because your work is so different from the rest that you attract your own clientele?
I like the photo of the people lined up with their shopping bags and carts, obviously ready to shop. I remember this even happening at the Ann Arbor Art Fair some years back. Wish that was still happening.