Caroline99
11-11-2002, 12:19 AM
My husband and I went to this today in Chicago. I think the economy must have affected baby tradeshows as well because I was severely disappointed in the Baby Faire. The "big" baby manufacturers were there -- Cosco, Century, Combi, Evenflo, and Graco -- but I only saw a few booths featuring smaller manufacturers -- Bellini and McLaren strollers, Dutailer rocker-gliders, and Baby Trend.
The products showcased included travel systems, strollers, car seats, playpens, high chairs, and some smaller general products. I was disappointed not to see any crib or casepiece manufacturers or products there.
I was impressed with the product knowledge of the McLaren rep and the Graco carseat rep, but the Evenflo rep was not able to tell me anything about the Evenflo Triumph I was interested in. Didn't seem like a really good way to promote your product line!
All in all, I would not recommend going to these events. It really was just like a bridal faire -- put your name and address on mailing lists everywhere. It was sponsored by BRU and most of the merchandise there is available at the store. Why pay $21 for the privilege of shopping at BRU? After an hour on the floor, we had circled the booths twice and talked to every manufacturer whose products we were interested in.
The products showcased included travel systems, strollers, car seats, playpens, high chairs, and some smaller general products. I was disappointed not to see any crib or casepiece manufacturers or products there.
I was impressed with the product knowledge of the McLaren rep and the Graco carseat rep, but the Evenflo rep was not able to tell me anything about the Evenflo Triumph I was interested in. Didn't seem like a really good way to promote your product line!
All in all, I would not recommend going to these events. It really was just like a bridal faire -- put your name and address on mailing lists everywhere. It was sponsored by BRU and most of the merchandise there is available at the store. Why pay $21 for the privilege of shopping at BRU? After an hour on the floor, we had circled the booths twice and talked to every manufacturer whose products we were interested in.