America’s Beauty Show Huge Disappointment
Loading ...Paul Dykstra and the CCA held a monopoly in the Chicago market for more than 20 years. Without competition, they were free to make decisions that best suited the CCA and not the exhibitors and ticket paying attendees. But when you are the only game in town, you hold all the cards.
Sad but true, even monopolies fail when they get to be so out of touch with reality that even the diehards say enough is enough. 2010 will be the last year of the ABS as the CCA knows it because finally competition is coming to town.
The PBA (Professional Beauty Association) which produces two other shows confirmed their debut in Chicago in 2011. And guess where the location is? You got that right: Rosemont Convention Center. And guess when the PBA decided to hold the show? Well, you were almost right, instead of 2 weeks before, they decided 2 weeks after the ABS show.
Sources have it that Paul and the CCA still have outs and can partner with the PBA before it’s too late.
In the meantime, the 2010 ABS show was a huge disappointment. If not for L’Oreal’s triumphant return to show business, there would not have been a single major player present with the exception of TIGI. Both Paul Mitchell and OPI were no where to be seen. Procter & Gamble’s Wella, Sebastian, Graham Webb and Nioxin brands all took rain checks. Schwarzkopf and Goldwell didn’t make it across the pond for different reasons.
So who was there? Michael O’Rourke! Dear, dear Michael. He’s been spun over hot coals but yet he continues to re-emerge with the same style, same energy and same inspiration. He somehow managed to conjure up 4 styling items in time for the show and like old times, there he was on a round mini stage with his groupies watching. That my friends was the extent of the excitement.
Perhaps the PBA will get the majors back into the show business. I’m not so sure. Regardless, it’s another chapter of our changing industry and another chapter that’s not filled with good news.
Happy Monday/Tuesday!
March 29th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Wow, that’s really depressing…
March 29th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
A few of my customers were going to attend the show this weekend so I’m anxious to hear their reviews. Store traffic is down today so I can tell that the show and spring break are affecting it.
As far as March Madness goes…HOLY COW! What a game yesterday for MSU! Even though I’m a diehard Notre Dame fan, I’m pulling for the Spartans and can’t wait for the next game!
March 30th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Sad! Very depressing….
March 31st, 2010 at 8:42 am
I suppose the question becomes, are the major players choosing to attend the PBS instead of the CCA -or has the industry evolved to where the shows don’t have enough of a return on investment to justify attending?
March 31st, 2010 at 8:55 am
I have heard nothing but good from our customers. They loved TIGI!! When the bus tours Michigan it is stopping at one of our customers salon in Walled Lake. Yea!!!
March 31st, 2010 at 3:36 pm
What was attendance this year vs last year? What were your goals for this year’s event?
April 1st, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Thanks for the question on attendance! By 9:00 am Monday morning, we had topped our all time high attendance, which we reached in 2008 the first year at McCormick Place. P&G Salon Professional participated with a successful new concept, P&G Hi Touch, just around the corner from the Expo Hall. And P&G Professional co-sponsored the new Salon Business Success Forum, with 300 salon owners. KMS/Goldwell hosted the KPSS Inc. Fashion Showroom designed to educate, expose and inspire stylists with the latest trends. Anthony Mascolo of TIGI and Nick Arrojo of Arrojo packed the house of our Runway, along with the first year of the Behind the Chair Stylist Choice Awards, with over 2500 attendees at each. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact me directly at pdykstra@americasbeautyshow.com.