What was the PBA/NCA thinking when they decided to do an ISSE show in Chicago two weeks after ABS? The powers to be that lead the pro beauty industry thought they could exercise their power and relationships like they did in Long Beach. The only problem is that this became a political issue instead of a business issue. The results were predictable but after attending the fiasco, the results were downright dreadful. There was not a single major hair care company, OPI did not have a booth and only CND braved the weather to exhibit. The rest of the show was a collection of circus acts desperate to do any business they could. You know when the bartender is looking around with no customers the show is D-E-A-D. Instead of moving it to the Fall as they are talking about in 2012, how about if they just forget it and move forward to more important issues at hand.

I did have the pleasure of sitting down with George Schaeffer (OPI CEO) and Bill Halfacre (OPI VP of everything) for coffee. It was a riveting meeting and I will share details a bit later. All I can say is this right now: Come July, the real fireworks will be not be July 4, but shortly thereafter with two stunning acts that will bring the pro nail industry to yet another level. Stay tuned.

If you use a wooden salad bowl, chances are that it retains an odor. Here’s a tip to get rid of it: Use vinegar and/or coarse salt and rub all over with a cloth. Then seal with mineral oil. The difference is amazing. Now what this has to do with beauty, I have no idea except that a clean bowl sure looks good.

With Walgreen’s buying drugstore.com (and beauty.com), look for more online business and lower pricing to come at retail.

Over the past few months, I have stayed at Holiday Inn Express, Marriott, Hilton, Aloft and others. They all have featherbeds, multi pillows on the bed and a great shower. The Westin started it all. Now what’s the Westin going to do to differentiate itself once again?

Why is it when we are on an elevator with other people, the floor number being displayed on the elevator becomes so riveting? Has anyone written a book on “elevator behavior?”

The tease brush is all the rage. Just thought I would toss that in.

I’m off to SPATEC tomorrow for the rest of the week. The program takes place at the beautiful Chateau Elan resort and winery 45 minutes outside Atlanta. The forecast? Rain, thunder and cool. The day I leave the sun comes out and 70 degrees. How come that happens more times than not?

Both Kodak and Nokia are suing Apple for patent infringement. Looks like if you can’t sell your own products, might as well sue the company that sells theirs.

What’s the difference between Diet Coke and Coke Zero? Marketing. Diet Coke appeals to women, Coke Zero appeals to men. Only Coke.

Looks like Harry and David is going under and filing bankruptcy. Perhaps too many rotten apples?

Happy Tuesday!

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!

This weekend is the Chicago beauty show currently known as the ABS (America’s Beauty Show) but for most of us, it will always be the Midwest Beauty Show. And compared to other shows, this name is best fitted.

For years the show occupied the underground levels of the Hyatt on Wacker. It then went to McCormick Place where the costs were prohibitive and then settled at the Rosemont Convention Center next to O’Hare. Hotels had covered air walks so you didn’t have to worry about the weather. Rosemont itself is a pit but convenient for the show.

Now that it’s back at McCormick Place, the show seems like a grain of sand on the beach. And it’s expensive to participate in. Nevertheless, The Industry Source will be there featuring Forever Natural, Pavilion, and thebeautybook. Since most people come for bargains, we decided to have the best bargain of all: 25% all purchases. Just come by the booth, place your order and save a lot of cash. We’ll ship to your salon at no extra charge.

I’m very excited about Forever Natural. We will be demonstrating it all day and while we are sold out of FN lights, we will be offering an amazing price of $100 for both the light and kit. We expect lights to be in stock early April.

The Pavilion will be featuring its name plate items that have been its biggest sellers. And show pricing makes them more than affordable. As always, we will be selling the floor models below cost at the end of show.

Why the ABS show is still 3 days, no one has any idea. Saturday is dead and Sunday is still the best day. We’ll be there all 3 days so if you are coming, be sure to stop by our booth #3000 and say hello or stock up and save big.

Happy Wednesday!