2009 Las Vegas Convention Review

RNK shares brand new products & ideas at VDTA/SDTA Show

“Thank you! That one idea will pay for my trip!”

The words of Barb Perry, (owner of Aurora Sewing Center, Buffalo, NY,) sums up the reason why dealers must attend the VDTA/SDTA Trade Show annually. Spending two or three days with other dealers from different parts of the country exchanging ideas that have been successful and giving one another advice or suggestions on how to deal with changes in local markets or industry is the best investment a dealer can make in their business. We need this kind of information exchange to stay fresh and excited!

The 2009 VDTA/SDTA Show was just the place to get your battery charged. The classes were well attended with dealers looking for answers and offering ideas of what has and is working for them. There was a common bond among attendees this year. It was no longer an attitude of competition between dealers, but rather a competition between dealers and consumer confidence, Wall Street, the recession, and the economy. By the end of the show it was the general consensus “it’s good to be in the home sewing/embroidery business even during the worst recession of our lifetime!”

Many dealers commented, “I needed the convention to get my head straight”, or “Coming to VDTA/SDTA was the best decision I made this year.” These are words of dealers who will never again miss their one and only International Convention. They attended more classes, visited with more vendors, and saw more new and innovative products for independent retailers than they have seen in years.

RNK Distributing was certainly among those vendors that gave the attendees a reason to never miss another show. “Recession Proof Your Business” was the focus of the RNK booth. The Jenny Haskins Division and the Floriani Division were packed full of brand new products and ideas to help dealers not only increase their floor traffic, but their profit margin as well.

My Sew EZ Touch Kit
This was one of the most exciting products dealers found at the show this year. The RNK booth featured the My Sew EZ Touch Kit up front and with a flare. Dealers were intrigued to see a sewing/embroidery project with the potential of capturing the attention of the younger generation. The kit is made of a cloth touch control pad with a fabric wire harness. At the end of the fabric wire harness is a universal electronic jack designed to connect to several devices.

The device remains safely tucked into an inner pocket and is controlled at the touch of the sleeve. My Sew EZ Touch will have broad appeal among all age groups, but RNK is most excited about the potential of offering a sewing/construction project to a new generation of crafters.

The fashion world has already embraced the technology and will be launching an Electronic Clothing Line this fall. RNK’s timing is perfect.

The goal at RNK is unite the younger generation with the sewing/craft room by offering a kit complete with step by step instructions for inserting the My Sew EZ Touch into a ready made garment or during the construction stage of a new one. The kit includes, fabric touch pad, component of choice (determined by device to be operated) and a selection of embroidery designs that will vary in style to ensure appeal to all ages. The embroidery designs will indicate the following controls:  

• iPod on/off
• iPod pause/play
• volume up/down
• track forward/back
• fast forward/fast back
• touchpad lock/unlock
• call answer/hang-up
• place call (voice activated dialing req.)
• call volume up/down
• call hold

RNK Distributing is actively pursuing dealers looking for cutting edge products that will give them the ability to grow their businesses even in the worst of economical circumstances. Such describes the My Sew EZ Touch Kit. 

Floriani Products
Floriani dealers were delighted to see a host of new packaging ideas that included Stabilizer Kits for almost any embroiderer at any level from beginner to expert.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about the new kits was the profit margin and second was hearing of RNK’s advertising campaign for the new kits that is sure to drive consumers into their stores.

In addition to the Stabilizer Kits, dealers had the opportunity to view several new Thread Sets packaged in a see through shrink wrap that make them irresistible.  

Jenny Haskins Products
Simon Haskins came from Australia to introduce a brand new range of Jenny Haskins Thread, Stabilizers, and Tools.

The booth was so beautiful dealers could not help but stop and look at all the amazing creations by Jenny and Simon. It is easy to see at a glance the Jenny Haskins Line of products has grown into a full line brand with thread, stabilizers, books, magazines, design sets, tassel makers, stencil burners, rhinestone setters, beads, and more. All are branded under the Jenny Haskins name and promoted internationally by RNK.

And just like Floriani, RNK provides a complete staff of Jenny Haskins educators for in-store seminars “Free” of charge to full line Jenny Haskins dealers. 

RNK Sales & Marketing Director Ricky Brooks stated, “The 2009 VDTA/SDTA was attended by dealers on a mission. The classrooms were full. The Exhibit Hall was busy with dealers hungry for information and looking for new, innovative products. The mood was more serious, but positive and it was immediately evident this year’s attendees were there to learn and arm themselves with ideas and tools to make them more successful. There is no doubt each attendee left Las Vegas more confident and eager to put their new ideas to work. I have said it before and I will say it again, it is no wonder that the dealers who attend year after year are among the most successful business people in the industry. I am very grateful to the VDTA/SDTA for seeing the need for such an annual event, and I hope every dealer and every vendor who benefits from the home sewing industry realizes the huge opportunity the VDTA/SDTA provides for us with their untold hours of hard work.”

Reprinted from SQE Professional, May 2009