scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Jun 11, 2022 3:05:45 GMT
I haven’t been to any scrapbook/stamp conventions for a few years. Even before COVID, family events and needs conflicted in 2018 and 2019. I went today to GASC, and I was shocked at how small it was compared to past years.
Despite that, there were still a lot of fun things, and I spent more than I expected. There were a lot of page kits (not my thing), but I love the Paper Wizard laser cut titles, and Tall Mouse Cre8tive Arts (TMCA) had some great Disney themed dies and slimline dies.
The gal at TMCA apologized for having a smaller inventory. They said they will have a bigger booth and inventory in October for the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo in Irving, TX, so I am definitely hoping to get to go to that one.
I was glad that I went and am pleased with what I got, but even though it was small, I had timed it for when my car was being serviced. It was far better than sitting for two hours at the dealership (they shuttled me to and from GASC).
Did anyone here go today, or have tickets for tomorrow for GASC?
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Gummiebears
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Sept 27, 2019 21:31:52 GMT
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Post by Gummiebears on Jun 12, 2022 4:26:44 GMT
Me! A great time. Several booths with good prices on single sheets (89 cents or $1 - cheaper than online and no shipping - lots of good themes/travel as well as some new lines). The usual bling at good prices and laser titles. Missed Queen and Co and Bee Creative but enjoyed Tall Mouse and Creek Bank. All in all lots of fun.
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Gummiebears
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Sept 27, 2019 21:31:52 GMT
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Post by Gummiebears on Jun 12, 2022 4:29:40 GMT
Also though - I always wish they extended the show through Sunday. I work on Fridays so have to fit classes and shopping all in on Saturday, and it’s just so much more relaxed with multiple days. I know it must not be profitable to do so, just my own preference.  |
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Jun 12, 2022 21:17:20 GMT
Me! A great time. Several booths with good prices on single sheets (89 cents or $1 - cheaper than online and no shipping - lots of good themes/travel as well as some new lines). The usual bling at good prices and laser titles. Missed Queen and Co and Bee Creative but enjoyed Tall Mouse and Creek Bank. All in all lots of fun. I tend to buy from Queen & Co. online these days, and I have an order arriving soon from them, which helped minimize the disappointment, but it was a bit sad that so many of my favorite vendors weren’t there. Hopefully we’ll see a lot more vendors and selection at the Stamp and Scrapbook Expo. It felt really good to be able to attend a convention again, and it was fun, even though all I did was to go and shop. I can understand how it would be hard to fit classes and cropping and shopping all packed into just one day. I prefer Friday because it’s less crowded (but there were still a LOT of shoppers there). Our two youngest sons have started a business where they sell at conventions. So far they have only had one convention that ran Saturday and Sunday (DFW area). Sunday was definitely quieter. I don’t know how typical that is, though, since they have only done one on Sunday. |
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leeny
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Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
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Post by leeny on Jun 12, 2022 21:44:15 GMT
Thank you for the report. I wonder if some vendors (1) feel that they are not ready to travel yet, (2) they are doing business just fine as is with online shoppers and virtual classes and shopping. For those that were with Stamp & Scrapbook Expo, there was quite the upset regarding refunds for the beginning of the pandemic for both customers and vendors so I don't expect to see all the same vendors there anymore.
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scrapnnana
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Post by scrapnnana on Jun 12, 2022 22:27:27 GMT
Thank you for the report. I wonder if some vendors (1) feel that they are not ready to travel yet, (2) they are doing business just fine as is with online shoppers and virtual classes and shopping. For those that were with Stamp & Scrapbook Expo, there was quite the upset regarding refunds for the beginning of the pandemic for both customers and vendors so I don't expect to see all the same vendors there anymore. I remember that controversy over the (lack of) refunds. I don’t sign up for anything until I get there. That does mean that the classes I would want are usually full, but even before COVID, I had so many things conflict with my personal plans, that I decided it’s just better to pay a little more for the entry fee and wait till the last minute. I belong to the Queen & Co. Facebook groups. I can’t remember if they said they were returning to events this year or next. They seem to be doing pretty well just selling online. During the pandemic, I just looked up my favorite vendors and started buying from them online. I noticed, however, that items available at GASC were not necessarily available on the Tall Mouse website. They were supposed to be, but I couldn’t spot them. I also love the samples at convention, for how the products are used. There seem to be far more samples to see in person than online. |
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Post by mbanda on Jun 15, 2022 19:25:03 GMT
Darn! I missed this thread when you first posted but yes I went on Friday as well with my 2 scrappy besties. I enjoyed the shopping. I did not do any classes (just didn't find anything I was excited about) or the crop this year. There seemed to be a lot of shoppers Friday! Some booths I could not even get in to. I think we waited for 30 minutes or so in the Paper Wizard line to check out...ugh. But I love their titles and embellishments! I am usually not a page kit person but I did happen to flip through the display at the Scrapbook Concierge booth and they had a WWE wrestling page kit - I was so shocked I had to get it!! Our family loves to go to WWE events and I never see anything scrappy related so I was so happy to see something I could use  I think that is one of the best things about shopping the vendors at the conventions. They always have some obscure diecuts or embellishments for themes that the bigger companies don't cover. I even found a Yogi Bear die cut to use with our Jellystone Campground trip. I was able to find some great Retired Marine paper as well that I am planning on using for my nephew's retirement party. I was also glad to see the T-Shirt vendor back again this year. I bought a new tee - I love wearing them at our retreat! Overall I had a great time! I'm excited for the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo in October as well |
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I think that is one of the best things about shopping the vendors at the conventions. They always have some obscure diecuts or embellishments for themes that the bigger companies don't cover. I even found a Yogi Bear die cut to use with our Jellystone Campground trip. I was able to find some great Retired Marine paper as well that I am planning on using for my nephew's retirement party. I was also glad to see the T-Shirt vendor back again this year. I bought a new tee - I love wearing them at our retreat!