ASR's Tompkins on earlier show, Sacred Craft, Crossroads

Today we talk with Andy Tompkins about the action sports business climate, why ASR partnered with the consumer show Sacred Craft and if Crossroads will ever move inside.

How will the upcoming show compare with the show at the same time last year? Will your revenues be up or down from this show?

ASR always reflects the current state of the action sports market and the good news is that most brands and retailers are reporting improved sales compared to this period 2009. That same energy and enthusiasm will manifest at ASR Marketplace.

Last year between ASR and the launch of Class@ASR showcased over 500 brands. This year between the floors of ASR, Class, Crossroads and now Sacred Craft, that number has grown to 750. The additional brand carry will help retailers be even more productive at ASR as they can see complete collections of surf, skate, fashion apparel, footwear, and accessories, and definitive collections of surf and skate hardgoods.

Compared to 2009, the ASR Marketplace event will offer an improved venue to see the products, trends, personalities and opportunities shaping action sports.

What is your take on the business climate given how brands are approaching trade show spending?

In general the economy, and more importantly consumer spending, seems to be improving compared to last year. This is translating to increased business opportunities for a wide variety of brands. As for trade shows, brands still support the notion that a trade event is the most efficient way to get in front of key retail buyers from across the globe. Most agree that face to face interaction with customers is critical for sustained success and it is difficult to accomplish outside of trade shows. In order to be a part of ASR the industry is adopting a wide variety of exhibit solutions, but in general brands seem to be investing more than last year.

(Above: Crossroads in the Petco Park parking lot. Shop-eat-surf file photo.)

On page 2: Retailer feedback to August show date