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Vendors Join Forces To Support Independents

A special event to boost sales.

by Staff Report (November 17, 2008)

Last Saturday 12,000 - 15,000 paper crafting and scrapbooking aficionados were expected to participate in a day-long, worldwide crafting event. Occurring at more than 180 national and international independent scrapbooking retailers, as well as four e-tailers, the Crop Scene Investigation event (www.cropscene.com) is being developed and sponsored by EK Success (www.eksuccess.com), Martha Stewart Crafts™ (www.marthastewartcrafts.com), K&Company (www.kandcompany.com), Inkadinkado® (www.inkadinkado.com), and Prism (www.prismpapers.com).

The stores planned to teach new and veteran crafters paper crafting and scrapbooking techniques, as well as offer inspiration for homemade projects – an expected trend this year in light of the current economy and shrinking holiday budgets. According to CHA research, in 2007, 56% of crafting households used completed craft projects as gifts. As part of this "Customer Appreciation Day," retailers may have also hosted activities unique to their store, such as make-it/take-it projects, product giveaways, discounts, and more.

"As crafting manufacturers, our role is to not only develop great products, but to support our independent retailers by helping them educate and inspire their customers – especially vital in this challenging economy," says Joy Macdonell, education director and national spokesperson for EK Success. "The Crop Scene Investigation program is our way of showing appreciation and support to the crafters who loyally use our products and the retailers who sell them."

By visiting www.cropscene.com, participants could find local stores that were hosting events, as well as register for the event. Upon registering, consumers had the chance to enter to win daily prize giveaways. Registration was not required to attend the event.

This event was designed specifically for the manufacturers' Club Elite program – a group of

400 retailers offering the best selection of EK Success, Martha Stewart Crafts, K&Company, and Inkadinkado products.

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