I have had a couple of disappointing weeks at shows, so am sufferring from tired legs and a hearty dose of the blues.

First there was the inaugural Galston Fun Day, where a good time was to be had by all. It was outdoors, cold and the marquee we were in faced resolutely into the wind and drizzle, so not the best of days. Then there were just the 2 of us. There were only a grand totral of 5 stalls, and only 2 of us were actually trading, the other 3 being community services. Not quite what I had been expecting. And I was not alone in my dilusion. Most of my visitors were people who complained that there was not much going on, they had expected more, or that they had wanted a stand or to do a display, and were turned down. Misery upon misery, and very poor sales to boot. First and last possibly? They need to do much more if it is to be repeated, not least to advertise it; even my neighbours didn’t know it was happening.

This past weekend saw me visiting Moda again in Birmingham. Definitely a last time. Fewer exhibitors and far fewer buyers meant the people were all a lot more grumpy and disinterested. Why is it that if you only have a few people about, the exhibitors seem to resent everybody for breaking into their idle reverie? Wouldn’t you think that what few buyers there are would be welcomed with open arms? I had a second attempt at buying from a well-renowned vendor, and again was faced with a rather sniffy agent; why do they not believe that I know what my customers do and don’t want? Still, I went with a shopping list and a budget in mind, and came away with absolutely nothing, so their loss! Now I just need to find another more useful show, or another agent to sit alongside the Dent’s guys (who are very helpful). Sometimes I feel it is no wonder retail is in the doldrums, if buying is such a chore.

Next weekend I am off to Harrogate to the Lingerie show, and hoping for better things. At least if that is bad I can just nip up to Betty’s Tea Rooms to cheer myself up, whereas at the NEC you just have the station and airport…..