editor’s letter
EDITOR’S LETTER
Despite economic and political turmoil that we find influencing our television programming and persistent
real estate stagnation, the craft of scrapbooking moves ahead with enthusiasm and hope far beyond its humble
beginnings. The fact that is, the future of this industry is very much determined by the strength of our beloved
independent retailers. This keeps manufacturers and distributors working to push the envelope to provide the
right mix and volume of products for our retailers, and to excite the avid scrapbook consumer while finding
ways to spark interest in the non-typical crafter or less avid scrapbooker (newbie).
This leads to my next topic which is the recent CHA summer show in Orlando. Yes, many of you were not
there for us to find out how you are doing, or for our manufacturers to show you their latest innovations and
lines of popular items. Those of you who did come found the show to be a casual experience with more time
to buy the things that made sense and strengthen communication between vendor and retailer. Sure, there
were less exhibitors than recent years, but the exhibitors you would hope to see were well represented and
just as enthusiastic to meet all of you. Some categories of product stood out as I walked the floor such as the
new Home Décor line of furniture that Doodlebug Design shared with us along with the usual great product
lines and ideas. Die and die cut manufacturers were well represented. One innovative introduction I saw was
the newest die & embellishment templates from Spellbinders Paper Arts. At just 5-years old, Spellbinders has
had one notable introduction after another. Known for their incredibly detailed die templates that offer 3-in-1
functionality - cut, emboss and stencil - Spellbinders has a truly unique place in the market. Provo Craft was
still upstaging the competition with their new gypsy and other technology products along with the yells and
screams of enthusiastic retailers winning the ever-popular giveaways. There were several newer vendors such
as Jill-e, Nikki Sivils and Jillibean Soup that seemed to steel much of the attendee attention and showed me
that future growth and the willingness to start a new business in an economic slump will pay dividends to the
new business person in any industry.
Another observation I made at the show was the greater communication between CHA and its members.
Many helpful meetings and discussion panels were offered and well-attended to work out the future direction
of this show and others as well as work towards implementing member ideas and feedback to create a
stronger future for the industry. Although there are many of us working towards better communication and
unity, there are still those who operate cautiously and close to the vest; as if keeping to themselves will
somehow protect them from imminent doom. It is no surprise that product will be copied or reproduced
in similar shapes and colors but we must communicate and work together to create common ground and a
willingness to support each other for the good of the industry as a whole.
It is important that we strive to attend and support any opportunity to meet and greet our fellow industry
participants. CHA, Creative Retailing ‘09, The Memory Trade Show and various Rep Group events are ways
for us to create meaningful strategies and ideas. It also strengthens the relationship with those we rely on to
8 scrapbook business
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