View From The Trenches -- ASD/AMD Trade Show Las Vegas March 2009

Twice a year, buyers and sellers stream to Las Vegas for a huge merchandise trade show, called ASD/AMD. The show spans several Vegas Convention Centers, and multiple categories of merchandise, including Value, Variety, Gift, Jewelry and others. This is a tremendous buying opportunity for the trade (no retail sales are allow, except at the Jewelry Show).The March Show started on Sunday March 15th and runs through March 18th.

How did ASD do this year in face of the economy? I don't have any stats on the number of buyers at the gate this year vs. prior years, but the general consensus on the floor was that attendance and sales were down. Some vendors that I visited expressed outward anxiety, but many maintained their equanimity and seemed upbeat. Tough to do when sales are slow.

Still, even in a challenging economy, desirable items priced right will sell. My area is narrow -- collectible and specialty dolls and some classic toys -- and in those categories I saw items that I bought early Sunday sell out before I left around noon on Monday. Some of those items include:

1. Gold Label Barbie Sets, including the Barbie Campus Spirit Set (selling at FAO Schwarz on the Strip for $122), and Barbie Campus Sweetshop (selling at select major retailers for over $100);
2. Groovy Girls dolls, clothing, furniture and accessories;
3. Fisher Price Real Loving Baby, various dolls and sets;
4. Learning Curve Play Town Wooden Action Figures, many items for sale, but desirable sets were selling out; and
5. Oversized Pez Dispensers.

Bottom line: Great merchandise at bargain prices sells. At American Artifacts, my philosophy is to sell quality, name brand dolls and toys at discounted prices. I purchased some of the above (except for the Pez), and will add items to the store as they arrive. If you're looking for any of these items, please check in from time to time at American Artifacts to see what's new.