By Bernie Boulders
By Kevin Dankman
By CHAMPS Magazine Staff
ISSUE 60 | AUGUST
ADVERTISER
ISSUE 60 | AUGUST 2024
Writing
CHAMPS Show Magazine Writers
Bernie Boulders
Kevin Dankman
Mike Y
Photography
CHAMPS Show Magazine Staff
Timothy C. Brown
Design & Layout
CHAMPS Trade Shows Editorial Director
Kevin Dankman
Dankman
EMBRACING AMERICAN CRAFT PRODUCTS IN SMOKE SHOPS AND
By Bernie Boulders
In recent years, smoke and vape shops have seen a dynamic shift, with consumers increasingly seeking high-quality, artisanal products that offer unique experiences. One exciting trend is the growing popularity of American craft products. From custom apparel and decorative trinkets to custommade accessories and cultural art pieces, these items are becoming a cornerstone of the modern smoke shop and vape shop experience.
The Rise of American Craftsmanship
The resurgence of American craftsmanship reflects the country's rich history of innova tion and artistry. Artisans across the United States are redefining product creation for the smoke and vape industry, blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. This move ment is about producing goods that create stories and connections that resonate with consumers.
Continues On Page 28
Quality and Uniqueness
EMBRACING AMERICAN CRAFT PRODUCTS IN SMOKE SHOPS AND VAPE SHOPS
The rising demand for these products is driven by their unparalleled quality. Unlike mass-produced items, these products are often made with meticulous attention to detail and superior materials, resulting in items that are durable and uniquely charming.
For instance, handcrafted ashtrays and wooden stash boxes are functional yet artistic, adding elegance to any smoking setup. Similarly, custom apparel and locally sourced hemp products provide consumers with high-quality, distinctive alternatives.
Supporting Local Economies
Carrying American craft products helps smoke shops and vape shops support local economies. Many of these products are made by small businesses and independent artisans who rely on local patronage. This support sustains communities and encourages the growth of small-scale entrepreneurship while adding diversity to your shelves in this ever-more homogeneous atmosphere.
Continues On Page 33
EMBRACING AMERICAN CRAFT PRODUCTS IN SMOKE SHOPS AND VAPE SHOPS
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations
Many craft products are also made with sustainability in mind. Artists often use environmentally friendly materials and processes, reducing their products' carbon footprint. This appeals to environmentally conscious consumers looking to make ethical purchasing decisions.
Expanding Product Lines
Integrating American craft
EMBRACING AMERICAN CRAFT PRODUCTS IN SMOKE SHOPS AND VAPE SHOPS
Marketing and Branding Opportunities
Carrying American craft products presents unique marketing and branding opportunities. Shops can high light their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and local support in their marketing materials. Social media campaigns showcasing product stories can engage customers and build a loyal following. Hosting events such as meet-the-artist nights or product launch parties can also draw in new customers and create buzz around the shop.
As the smoke and vape shop industry evolves, embracing American craft products is a smart and strategic move. These products offer unmatched quality, support local econo mies, and provide unique marketing opportunities. By integrating American craftsman ship into their offerings, smoke shops and vape shops can differentiate themselves, attract a diverse customer base, and build lasting relationships with their clientele. In an industry where authenticity and quality are paramount, American craft products are the perfect addition to any shop's inventory.
artworkbyDejanTomic
By Kevin Dankman
Are you ready for the Mountain West’s biggest counterculture business-to-business trade show?
TWO DAYS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Goblet Grab
TWO DAYS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Get ready for one of the most thrilling events of the year, Goblet Grab. This is your chance to win a unique, handmade goblet crafted by some of the most talented artists. Raffle tickets are $200, paid directly to the artist upon submission. When the winners are announced, each number will be drawn from a hat, and the lucky person has 30 seconds to choose their desired goblet. But hurry, they won't last long!
Ménage à Trois
Three-Person Collab All three go to masters! The collab must be well-documented and created specifically for the show. They do say that three is the magic number!
Make It a Set
The set must consist of two or more functional items made of borosilicate glass, such as pipe sets, sushi sets, salt and pepper sets, or coffee sets. What do you make that comes as a set?
Winners of these events will take home cash and prizes, and the first-place winners will go to the MASTERS for a chance at a $20,000 grand prize and the title of Master Winner! This is what many glassblowers work all year for, as it can catapult them into fame as glass artists.
Continues On Page 77
TWO DAYS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH ARE JUST AROUND
Fun Things to Do in Denver After the Show
Explore the historic Union Train Station which has been transformed into a bustling hub of activity, complete with shops, bars, and restaurants. Don’t miss out on trying a cocktail at the Cooper Lounge or grabbing a coffee at Pigtrain Coffee.
Visit the Denver Art Museum, where you can marvel at a diverse collection of art from around the world. The museum's unique architecture and engaging exhibits make it a must-visit.
Take a Stroll in Larimer Square Denver's oldest and most historic block is filled with trendy boutiques, chic cafes, and lively bars. It's the perfect place to shop, eat, and soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Continues On Page 89
Josh McMilleman
Indulge in Denver’s Food Scene
TWO DAYS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
For a fantastic meal, head to the Denver Central Market, where you can sample a variety of local eats. For a more formal dining experience, try out one of Denver’s top restaurants like Mercantile Dining & Provision or Acorn.
Catch a Game or Concert
Check out what's happening at the Ball Arena or Coors Field. Whether it's a Rockies game or a live concert, there's always something exciting going on.
Enjoy your time in Denver! Whether you're here for the CHAMPS Trade Show or exploring the city, there's plenty to see and do.
PhotobyJeremyHighs onUnsplash
By CHAMPS Magazine Staff
As the leaves turn and the air cools, smoke shops face the annual challenge of adapting to the fall selling season. This period brings a dynamic change in customer flow and preferences, particularly in regions like bustling college towns and beaches. To thrive, understanding these shifts and preemptively adjusting inventory is crucial. Moreover, attending industry events like CHAMPS Trade Shows can provide invaluable insights and opportunities. Here's how smoke shops can optimize their approach for the fall season.
Understanding Regional Dynamics
College Towns: A Surge in Demand
In college towns, the return of students marks a significant upturn in business. These areas see an influx of young adults eager to explore and purchase from local smoke shops. The start of the academic year often brings with it a demand for a variety of products, from the latest vaping devices to artisanal smoking accessories. Shop owners in these locales should anticipate this surge by stocking up on trendy and high-demand items that appeal to the college demographic.
Strategy Tip: Engage with your customer base on social media to understand their preferences. Hosting welcome-back events or promotions can also draw attention to your updated inventory.
Continues On Page 100
NAVIGATING THE FALL SHIFT: INVENTORY STRATEGIES FOR SMOKE SHOPS
NAVIGATING THE FALL SHIFT:
Beach Towns and Vacation Areas: A Shift in Strategy
Conversely, smoke shops in beach towns and vacation spots may experience a slowdown as summer tourists depart. This doesn't spell doom but rather an opportunity to recalibrate. It's a time to clear summer stock through sales and introduce products that cater to the remaining local population or off-season visitors.
Strategy Tip: your product range with items that have year-round appeal, such as high-quality smoking essentials and wellness products.
Leveraging CHAMPS Trade Shows for Fall Inventory
CHAMPS Trade Shows stand at the forefront of the smoking accessories industry, offering a treasure trove of products, from cutting-edge vaping technology to timeless smoking parapherna lia. Attending these events is crucial for smoke shop owners looking to refresh their fall inven tory with innovative and unique items that capture customer interest. With a show in Denver CO. in Sept and a show in Fort. Lauderdale FL in October this year, you can fill your shop for holidays at CHAMPS Trade Show. Networking and Trends
INVENTORY STRATEGIES FOR SMOKE SHOPS
At CHAMPS, retailers have the opportunity to network with wholesalers, manufacturers, and fellow retailers. These interactions can lead to beneficial partnerships and a deeper understanding of emerging trends. Keeping a finger on the pulse of what's new and popular can set your shop apart from the competition.
Exclusive Deals and Products
Many exhibitors at CHAMPS offer trade show-exclusive deals or first looks at new products. This is an ideal scenario for shop owners aiming to stock up on inventory that will intrigue and delight their customers through the fall season and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Adapting to the fall selling season requires a blend of regional insight, customer engagement, and strategic purchasing. By understanding the unique demands of their location, leveraging social media for feedback, and taking advantage of the opportunities presented at CHAMPS Trade Shows, smoke shop owners can position themselves for a successful season. Remember, the key to thriving in this ever-evolving industry is staying informed, being adaptable, and always looking for ways to enhance your customer's experience.
This framework provides a comprehensive guide for smoke shop owners navigating the intricacies of the fall selling season, offering practical strategies for inventory management and highlighting the importance of industry events like CHAMPS Trade Shows. We hope to see you at one of our upcoming shows.
SHOP SHOTS CONTEST WINNER: MEDICATE YOURSELF IN NORWICH NY
From the Owner, Mike Y
Medicate Yourself is an art & glass gallery in Upstate NY with over 140 artists that call us home!
We are the ONLY shop in miles of our small town selling only hand-crafted glass & art.
Being located a little over an hour away from The Corning Museum of Glass, we have tons of opportunities for AMAZING glass from local artists! We believe in our community, our artists, and the dreams they have and the ones they inspire.
Our days in the gallery consist of talking to locals who have never seen hand-crafted pieces of art. We love to explain the details, glass working processes, and what inspires the artist who made them.
I spoke with Mike earlier today. He is a really outgoing and smart businessman. Once he knew this was what he was going to do, he bought the building his location is now in so he would be inspired to grow it. This year, he will be celebrating his third year in business and is looking forward to many more.
SHOP SHOTS CONTEST WINNER: MEDICATE YOURSELF IN NORWICH NY
The new location was home to a very nice Old jewelry store; built-in displays and high-end furnishings make it stand out from other places. Now it is a Local Art experience.
When asked what made you start a shop like this? “I was GM at a local shop and wanted to bring something to the community with Art, American Glass, and the process, showing the Town something unique that isn’t just imported glass.”
Since they opened, Mike has attended CHAMPS Trade Shows and believes it is part of his success. He attends once or twice a year. He likes going to the Regional show and the Vegas Shows.
How did you come up with the Name Medicate Yourself?
Michael Y is his name, so M.Y. was already his signature. He made it legible upside down so that no matter what, coming or going, it says, “M.Y.” He wanted to use it for something cool and Medicate Yourself was the direction he took.
Continues On Page 110
SHOP SHOTS CONTEST WINNER:
MEDICATE YOURSELF IN NORWICH NY
Some of his favorite marketing methods include in-store promos, and advertising at upscale places, golf courses, and Billboards. He also sponsors the Corning Glass Museum so that he can meet many artists from all over, as well as local NY artists.
Other art mediums that they have been successful with in their shop is, Paintings, Sculptures and handmade Jewelry all local and Handmade. This is one of the best mixtures we have seen here at the Magazine.
Continues On Page 111
NY State glassblowers make up 60% of what they sell and growing. They always showcase the artist's story and educate the shoppers on what they know about each piece. They also like to explain how it helps the local community by harboring art and keeping their funds locally instead of funding other
As part of their exciting new location, they will be building an area for people to Blow Glass Live for their customers. Giving everyone in his area the chance to see the magic that is
We think that Mike and his crew have an exciting adventure planned ahead and look forward to seeing his shop blossom into a hub for Art in upstate
