TRADE SHOW NEWS

bottle cap line and is also producing corrugated tin signs. The company can entertain custom work and that has become a growing part of the business.

In a somewhat crowded decorative sign market, Desperate Enterprises holds firmly to the lower price point (generally $9.99-$12.99 retail); all the signs are made in the USA and Robinson insists they always will be. He sees his target market as mom & pop stores across the country and souvenir stores (not Big Box Stores) for customers who want to lighten up the mood in homes, garages, bar areas. His minimum orders are low so a store buyer can be aggressive trying new images; they’re not taking a huge gamble. The company does no manufacturing, just warehousing and distribution.

Robinson attended the Gatlinburg show last fall by himself as he didn’t want to take a chance exposing anyone else. As it turned out, he said that was his best show ever. He also did the Dallas show at the beginning of the year. Robinson has noticed that the shows seem to be going more regional and sees that as possibly an advantage.

For the first time, Desperate Enterprises has added a sales rep group and they are working to broaden market share. Robinson is being aggressive in product development and adding hanging signs, wood, and rusted metal. Desperate Enterprises was a pioneer 30 years ago, but Robinson recognizes the need to change with the times. It’s an exciting time to shop Desperate Enterprises.