Instead it was a group of people who wanted nothing more than to work together to get through the next few months until business picks up or at least until everyone can get caught up. It was so fun to hear what other retailers are doing to drive business and what lines are working for different people. It was also fun to see how the vendors are hunkering down and working on inexpensive but super pretty merchandise to sell while people are watching their pennies.

It will be interesting to see how the economy effects the mood at the show. I know that the company I am going with has NO budget but I wonder about how everyone else is going to approach this.

Update: I have written a follow-up CBG article with my post-show thoughts.