America’s Beauty Show Huge Disappointment
Monday, March 29th, 2010
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!
