“Most retailers don’t have much opportunity to get up close and personal with the industry,” IVD publicist Joel Weiner said. “This puts them in contact with suppliers and vendors and the stars; it gives them a chance to meet the people they do business with and helps them build those relationships.”
The invitation-only event kicked off with a networking dinner for about 80 VIP guests on Friday night.
The following morning, shuttle buses ferried retailers to the main event — a sort of mini trade show at IVD’s Florida warehouse, where they could mix and mingle and, most importantly, do business with event sponsors, each of whom had a table manned by an IVD representative to help with discounts.
Sponsors included Acid Rain, Adam & Eve/Bad Seed, Adventure LLC, California Exotic Novelties, Doc Johnson, Pipedream Products, Pleasure Productions, Pure Play Media, Screaming O, Seymore Butts, Topco Sales, Video Team/Afro-Centric, Vivid Video, Wicked Pictures and Zero Tolerance/3rd Degree/Black Ice.
“When they come to the warehouse and see the scope of everything [IVD] and East Coast News have to offer, all it encompasses, it’s overwhelming.”
Many sponsoring companies also brought along stars to sign autographs and pose for pictures with the customers between bargain hunting. Carmen Luvana, Courtney Cummz, Pleasure’s Gina Lynn, Katja Kassin, Stormy, Cousin Stevie and Amber Peach.
Weiner said Lynn gave all in attendance a treat when she demonstrated one of Adventure LLC’s Whipsmart Pleasure Swings.
Open House coordinator Rene R said the show was IVD’s most successful yet. IVD Vice President of Sales and Operations Jereme C. added that the turnout caused some extra work for his team, but was worth it.
“The aftermath of the show is really a crazy week,” Jereme said. “Our sales and shipping increases by almost 40 percent above normal sales.”
IVD and ECN will host their next open house this fall at its New Jersey headquarters.
“I can’t imagine what could be bigger than this past week’s show,” Weiner said, “but I can’t wait to see us top it.”
