Ed and Betty Koren.
CHICAGO, ILL. - Stella Show Mgmt. Co. and the Chicago Botanic
Garden have joined forces for the past four years to create the
Chicago Botanic Garden Antiques and Garden Fair. The most recent
show was held April 11-13 and more than 15,000 customers came to
shop.
"And did they shop!" said Leanne Stella, president of Stella Show
Mgmt. Co. "We had four supervisors and six porters working
nonstop at the customer pickup area all weekend servicing
customers who purchased garden antiques, plants and unique
decorative garden elements. The shopping frenzy began each day
just 20 minutes after opening, which goes to show customers were
there to shop, not just browse, a complete turnaround from the
industry-wide show reports over the last few months."
"The show was fabulous. Everything was perfect. This is the most
incredible facility. I never saw so many people in my life and so
many of them were willing to part with their money," said Eleanor
Billet who traveled from New York to exhibit in this show.
M.J. Spear Antiques.
Elaine Steinberg exclaimed, "We sold a show and a half. Stella
hasn't lost it. We haven't done a Stella Show in nine years
because we moved to Florida. The gate was phenomenal and the
people had money to burn." Parrett/Lich Inc from Indiana, who
travels across the country for many different shows, said, "No
better show in the country!"
Janet and Tobin Townsend of Callicoon Center, N.Y. said, "We had
an excellent show, with a good number of sales every single day.
The gate was astounding, especially on Friday when such crowds
were not expected. As usual, Stella Mgmt. did a terrific job with
yet another substantial snowstorm right before setup. Every year
the show improves in small ways; this year's 'You are Here' floor
plans made it easier for customers to navigate the grounds. It's
great to end our winter season in such an elegant venue and with
such a turnout of serious buyers."
Tim Brennan of Brennan and Mouillessaeux of Rochester, N.Y. said,
"We were impressed all over again with the strength of the show,
both in terms of the material on view, and the knowledge and
enthusiasm of the buyers who attended it. It seems that even in
uncertain economic times, the Stella organization can present,
organize and most important, publicize a show that transcends its
niche category. We couldn't count the number of Chicagoans who
told us that this is the one show in the area that they will not
miss, year in, year out. And, the proof is in the deposit slips
-- we had our best Chicago Botanic Garden show ever."
R.E. Steele of the Hamptons, N.Y., sold a giant pair of gates
originally from the North Shore of Long Island and they now have
a new home in Highland Park, Ill. They weighed 3,000 pounds. Russ
Steele said he sold so well he was "emptied out." Elliott and
Elliott from Chicago commented, "We were particularly pleased
with the number of interested and knowledgeable customers."
Forge Furnishing, also of Chicago and a participant of many
national garden shows, said "Finally, a great show!" Sands
Orchids added, "The show works on many levels -- gate, sales,
organization and wonderful location!"
The booth of Stephen Abeles of Balsamo Antiques.
The company handling shipping and deliveries for the show noticed
the trend this year is furniture for indoor garden rooms. Wicker
was a popular item. Ismael Colon of NJ Shippers said, "To keep up
with the demand two trucks made deliveries each day and we left
the show on Sunday night with two more packed-to-the-brim trucks.
This was the busiest show of the year. We handled more deliveries
at this show than we did at any show since January in New York,
which is considered the peak selling season for antiques."
"The great thing about this event is that it is a show for
everyone," said Leanne Stella. "It appeals to so many people on
so many levels. There are items for the seasoned collector as
well as the young gardener and everyone seems to enjoy the show
with an equal passion."
Next year's event is scheduled for April 16-18 and most of the
115 exhibitors that participated this year are returning. For
additional information, Stella Show Mgmt. Co. 212-255-0020 or
www.stella shows.com.
