What do you think about...

[BusyBumbleBee]

having a booth in a store in a mall?

Let me explain a little more. The malls that I've been having shows at are having us set up in the corridors through out the mall; however, with the holidays upon us they are filling those empty spaces with kiosks and carts and are not letting us vendors set up tables on the weekend from November - December.

The promo group I go through to do these shows said they they are going to be renting out a vacant store in the mall and we can all set up in this store... good idea or BAD idea?

I REALLY need opinions.

More info that may help - they are offering weekend anyway from $350-$250 for 2 days. 10x10 spots with no tables or chair provided or electricity. On an average weekend at a mall I make anyway from $650-$1200 when I'm out in the mall not in a store and it's not the holidays.

Thoughts?

[Barbara Jean]

If there is going to be some type of signage to draw people into the store where you vendors are I would go for it. The fact that you are not out in the open will be supplemented by the fact that there will be much more holiday traffic, IMO. How much different in price for the space is the holiday gig versus your normal weekend gig?

[BusyBumbleBee]

If there is going to be some type of signage to draw people into the store where you vendors are I would go for it. The fact that you are not out in the open will be supplemented by the fact that there will be much more holiday traffic, IMO. How much different in price for the space is the holiday gig versus your normal weekend gig?

Thanks for the feedback. Prices differ depending on the weekend and number of days. I usually pay $200-$300 for a 2/3 day weekend. These shows are $250-$350 so not too much of a difference in price.

I'm not sure how they are going to draw people into the store where the vendors will be. It's not all crafts though... it's like pampered chef, Juice Plus, Party Lite... I'm afraid if those types of vendors are in front that people won't even bother walking into the store because they #1) don't want to be asked to book shows & #2) don't want to be haggled. That could stop a lot of people in their tracks right there.

Still haven't made up my mind. If I had a stand in the mall corridors I would jump right on. Or if I was put at the very front of the store I would consider doing it too.

[Barbara Jean]

Thanks for the feedback. Prices differ depending on the weekend and number of days. I usually pay $200-$300 for a 2/3 day weekend. These shows are $250-$350 so not too much of a difference in price.

I'm not sure how they are going to draw people into the store where the vendors will be. It's not all crafts though... it's like pampered chef, Juice Plus, Party Lite... I'm afraid if those types of vendors are in front that people won't even bother walking into the store because they #1) don't want to be asked to book shows & #2) don't want to be haggled. That could stop a lot of people in their tracks right there.

Still haven't made up my mind. If I had a stand in the mall corridors I would jump right on. Or if I was put at the very front of the store I would consider doing it too.
You're right about the Pampered Chef type deals. I know that I would not want to be haggled by sales reps. If I could see your display in there I would politely push passed the Pampered Chef types to get to you but if I couldn't see you or didn't the type goods you sold was in there I would put a little extra pep in my step to get away from the store. So yeah, that is something to consider.

[BusyBumbleBee]

Okay, so I voiced my conerns about this holiday season being at this store as apposed to being out in the cooridors of the mall and this was the exact responce I go back - now what does everyone thing?!?

We will have radio advertisment for the Mills, Characters at the entrance inviting shoppers in to see the Christmas items (Like Santa's Elf) In addition, we will have a non-for-profit store set up in back of the store to generate traffic and a Photo booth for shoppers to take thier holiday photos. In addition to all of that, to build traffic - we will have 3/4 spots in front of the store to rotate vendors out in the corridors once durinng the shopping season. So with all that and your own following - This should be a very successful location and season!
Hickory Farms will be located next to us in addition to a small craft store just outside our entrance.