Calgary, Canada — Sept. 11, 2009

Since being released in July of this year, the new Shopster Merchant Network is experiencing exponential growth, in terms of increasing numbers of online wholesale and retail sellers joining its ranks. In the first two months since its inception, the new Shopster Merchant Network has attracted over 8,000 registered users, and current estimates predict that it will host over 20,000 merchants by the end of the year!

The Shopster Merchant Network is only a part of the entire Shopster platform (which is free to join) and  it enables entrepreneurs to make money online. Shopster members sell products from other merchants or list their own products to be sold by Network merchants. It’s worth noting that Shopster is the first e-Commerce solution to come with a built-in sales force for its customers’ products, along with instant inventory for businesses to sell.

“We are thrilled that our Merchant Network is growing so quickly. It shows that online retailers were in real need of a solution like ours. By combining the tools to host your online business with being able to easily connect and manage your merchant relationships, our customers are able to focus on making sales, and that’s the most critical piece for any business.” Sarath Samarasekera, Shopster.com CEO and co-founder says. “The Merchant Network allows merchants to collectively build their businesses bigger, faster. When surveyed, 86% of our customers said that they would refer friends and colleagues to join the Shopster Network, which is very exciting.”

Retailers and suppliers are encouraged to sign up for an account with Shopster.com at no charge!

*About Shopster.com: Social Networking for Products*

Founded in 2004, Shopster.com is an official eBay Solutions Partner that offers a suite of e-Commerce solutions for small to medium-sized businesses. Thousands of online merchants from around the world rely on Shopster, as it simplifies the complexities of online retail by allowing merchants to manage their store, transactions, and supply chain relationships within one easy-to-use interface. Joining the Network is free, so merchants can focus on growth and relationships… not on unnecessary overhead costs.

With a total attendance of over 10,000 at the recent August 2009 Off-Price Specialist Show, and over 450 exhibitors showing off their best merchandise, there was an atmosphere of high-energy activity that resulted in the formation of intense, exciting, and fresh new buzz over the steals-and-deals in the Closeout and Off-price Industry. While many of the doomsday-types predicted a rapid cooling period for the Retail and Wholesale business that would lead to catastrophic results for anyone who dared to get involved in such a volatile and dangerous market… the people who make up the Wholesale and Retail sector know that the show must go on, and it’s really up to us to determine whether that show is going to be a comedy, a tragedy, or a gut-wrenching drama…

There were a lot of smiles at the show, and reports from the field were all rather upbeat and similarly positive about the great turnout, the attitude of the buyers who showed up, and the unexpectedly good order rate on the sales floor. For some sellers it was not a matter of trying to capture the attention of buyers, but instead a matter of trying to get the orders filled out quickly, so they could give everyone the attention they deserved!

“It was nice to meet a lot of new customers and future friends. Thanks to everyone that was patient enough to wait in line for our product!”

Kenneth Delaney

Bordan Shoe Company in Los Angeles

One of the truly surprising features of the show was a huge focus on the low price-point merchandise that was being put right next to luxury-brand goods. In an economy that seems to be shifting with the winds, and a lot of dollar-pinching going on… innovation sometimes takes place in some unlikely ways. While the Luxury Market’s share of the consumer pool is slipping downward, the Budget and Discounted Goods Industry is seeing tremendous growth. Of course, this is what anyone would expect to see during a financial pinch, but what’s become one of the hot topics of the business is the fact that these two areas of retail –- which were once miles apart — are now rubbing shoulders and competing on the same sales floor. In a brilliant move, the sellers and distributors have adapted to the changes, and made the move to put these high-end goods to the test by offering choice to their customers that was not available in the past.

“My lower price point items performed better than the upscale goods that we are known for!” Kathy Chikato

Commerce, CA–based DLM Off Price Specialists

Another point to consider is the influx of new vendors who showed up to announce their goods. According to David Lapidos, Senior Vice President for the Off Price Show, conversations with attendees revealed that everyone was quite able to find what they needed at this event. A good mix of general merchandise, specialty items, and everything from bulk costume jewelry to sports wear and athletic gear made their presence felt and heard at the show. Wait a minute… wasn’t this supposed to a bad year for everyone in the business? Shouldn’t we be slowing things down, and waiting for the right time to promote our products and services again? Mr. Lapidos added that “All who attended will re-affirm that this industry is very much alive.”

It looks like the slow and cautious strategy couldn’t be more out of tune with the sound of people filling the convention center… and the songs of victory that were being hummed by happy vendors at this event. Winter merchandise made a huge hit on the sales floor, and the variety of goods in all categories on offer was a clear sign that making your move sooner — rather than later — is the only strategy to consider. This show experienced a 10% increase in buyer attendance and an equal increase in exhibit space from last year’s show, so there’s little doubt that the following shows will yield similar results. Remember, this is just the beginning… and if you missed out on the amazing August event, you’ll be pleased to know that another chance is coming up fast. For information regarding the upcoming Off Price Show on February 14-17, 2010 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Hall G, Las Vegas, you can follow the link we’ve provided. Happy wholesaling to everyone who made the August show such a success!

Since consumers everywhere are making changes to their spending habits — and the fashion industry has felt the pinch of profit margins slashed by falling sales volumes — it’s become more important than ever for quality products to become available to small vendors, since they are one of the last links in the chain that ends with the consumer.

On top of that, many of the leading wholesale distributors are forming partnerships and relationships with exclusive designers and manufacturers who produce goods that won’t show up anywhere else. This means your search for unique and fresh fashions for men, women, and children are all in front of you, and only a mouse click away. It also means that those popular and high-demand items like bags, belts, and other fashion accessories can be found at discounted wholesale prices, through your favorite online distributor!

Wholesale distributors like Shopforbags.com are sensitive to the needs of the smaller vendors. Minimum orders start at only $100, and buyers can mix and match designer products to create the perfect order for their business! There are more than 1,000 fashion products available, and all orders are shipped within 48 hours, which will be perfect for those who want to avoid delays in restocking their shelves as the products take off. It’s nice to know that you can have a friend in the business who will offer discounts on orders that were only available to the larger outlets in the past, but are now easily within your reach. This trend is gaining momentum, and the choices will invariably broaden as the market grows into its new position in the ever-changing global wholesale and retail community.

Other savvy distributors can also be found through TopTenWholesale.com Twitter account by droves of loyal retailers, and it would pay to look for the ones who employ online-only incentives that come in many forms, such as a current offer to receive free shipping for using a checkout code for all new accounts… or an e-coupon that applies credit to the next order. It’s no doubt that new incentives will manifest themselves over time, if you just want to wait. However, new competitors will also emerge from the shadows, so what are you waiting for?

Take a look at WholesaleU

• Handbags – the product directory that leads you to see some of the hottest and latest styles on offer from a collection of suppliers.

Check out Top Ten Wholesale

• Fashion Accessories - a vertical search engine with a plethora of assorted accessories and must-haves for the fashion experts in the wholesale business.

ASD Tradeshow

Some industry leaders are showing great optimism in the up-and-coming 2010 event, which gives speculators added confidence in any ASD shows in between. Here’s what a few of them had to say:

• “We were very happy with the traffic, the quality of buyers and the timing of the show. We will be back for 2010”
  - Gibson

   

• “Perfectly timed between the March & August shows… I will definitely be back in 2010”- Riyaz Tayob, Kwality Closeouts

   

• “Liquidation Expo has been very surprising…good quality of buyers and we’ve written some
  large orders. [It was] definitely worth the time and money.”- Dave Adamecz, Craven, L. &Sons

With this kind of support from key exhibitors, it’s easy to see why attending the August ASD
show puts you on the forefront of industry trends, and gives you an advantage during these difficult times
in wholesale and retail. In addition to being a remarkable channel for leads and sales-generation, there’s
also the added bonus of enjoying the surroundings during the down times, as this event will be held at the
Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This August event will feature categories that cover virtually everyone’s needs, and a host
of exhibitors will be in attendance to address the needs of wholesalers, retailers, and buyers.

ASD Las Vegas Variety Merchandise
Show
A massive collection of Fashion Accessories, Souvenirs & Novelties, Health & Beauty Products, Toys,
Smoking Accessories, Leather Goods, Value Apparel, Tools & Hardware, Variety and General Merchandise.
ASD SourceDirect
Each August, ASD SourceDirect offers distributors, wholesalers, and large retailers the chance to meet face
-to-face with 200 worldwide manufacturing sources in one convenient place. Fashion apparel, novelties,
souvenirs, jewelry, and fashion accessories will be on offer in this category.
China Brand Show
For buyers who aren’t able to make the trip to China for sourcing and networking, China’s top 100 brands
will be on exhibit as part of the China Brand Show at ASD Las Vegas this August. Buyers will be able to
source products such as electronics, textiles and clothing and office products.
ASD Las Vegas Gift & Toy
Show
Ganz, Nanco-Nancy, Squire Boone Village, Ohio Wholesale, DeLeon Collection and many others feature
specialized sections for Furniture & Home Décor, Holiday & Seasonal, Religious & Spiritual,
Gourmet & Specialty Foods, and Plush Toys.
ASD Las Vegas Jewelry Show
Sunglasses, handbags, and a huge assortment of fashion accessories, along with fine and fashion jewelry
galleries create unprecedented product choices at every price point in this category.

Be sure to explore the ASD Sourcebook style=”normal;”>site , as it provides a wealth of tips and tricks for all
areas of industry. You’ll also have access to online content that addresses topics like:

• Reaching the Recession-Proof Consumer

• Global Consumer Confidence Weakens

• Pricing In An Economic Crisis

• The Future Is Bright for Online Media

All this and more can be found on the ASD Las Vegas
Trade Show site, along with all the resources you’ll need to make this an event that pushes wholesale and retail to new highs for 2009.

One…
Get into the spirit of the holidays by donating a truckload of merchandise to the local U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Outreach Center, or other affiliate agencies in your city. Be sure to build a clear and simple inventory list for your accounting department, and make sure everyone knows about your generosity! Posting a few lines of commentary on your own website or newsletter isn’t that hard, and it will give readers a fresh perspective on your organization. Doing this is easy, and it could also help you out during tax-time. It will make you feel good to help those in need, and it will broadcast a clear signal to your buyers that might inspire them to think of you the next time they want to make a critical supply decision.

Two…
Implement a free shipping policy on all wholesale orders for those who have served in the armed forces. This could be information you already know — but if it isn’t — it could be a great way to build additional rapport with your customers. Most Wholesaler businesses are already implementing a free shipping policy for buyers that spend over a certain dollar amount, so why not do something civic-minded, and do your part by offering free shipping for buyers (such as retailers) that have served in the military?

Three…
Encourage your buyers to run a 10% store special for certain items to celebrate Memorial Day. You can offer discounted prices to buyers who participate in your limited-offer program, and it will create a nice set of incentives for your customer’s customers to buy from them. That’s never a bad thing, and favors like those are often returned with continued loyalty from those who support your business.

Four…
Support your distributors and give them perks for supporting you Memorial Day specials. It could come in the form of a coupon, a voucher, or rebate offer. Up the ante, and scale the savings upward when your buyers make bigger purchases. It’s a small price to pay for the increased volume during a sagging second quarter. Times are tough for some of your buyers right now, and what goes around comes around when you do something to help out.

Five…
If you want to give your customers something light-hearted to read, think about creating a supplementary email update, featuring a cross-section of your existing buyers who happen to be veterans. It will put them in the spotlight, and put you on their minds.

Six…
Send out a newsletter to your buyers encouraging them to… well, buy! Really, what does it cost you to take a minute to generate a new piece of direct marketing for your buyers? There’s never too many ways to tell your customers why they should be buying from you, and it’s often true that activity is directly linked with success.

Seven…
While you’re busy grilling up a steak on the BBQ, putting your down-time to work for you is as simple as making sure those around you know about your spur-of-the-moment ideas, before they go up in smoke. Use social networks: like Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace to stay connected with other wholesalers, retailers, and manufacturers. It’s also a great way to share your ideas, network & transact with buyers, find out about industry events, and learn about wholesale tips, trends, news, ect…  When you get a free moment- Tweet Us on how you celebrated this Memorial Day!

Eight…
Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the U.S. Government GSA list of buyers. It’s a long one, and it certainly won’t be suitable reading while you’re floating in the pool, but if you pull the highlights from it that are relevant to your industry, you just might find some new ideas and spot some interesting trends.

Nine…
Got some video on your website? No? Well, you might want to make some. Putting a small video clip on your website will enhance the user experience, and it’s no secret that while a picture is worth a thousand words, a little bit of professionally-produced video could count as a conversation! While you’re busy making that intriguing email newsletter about your vet buyers, make sure to grab a few seconds’ worth of interview or commentary footage to share with the world.

Ten…
Don’t forget to have some fun while you’re at it. The whole idea of a holiday is to relax, and everyone needs some time to cool off and recharge their batteries. Take a dip in the pool, and grab another glass of iced tea… it’s going to be a great Summer of Wholesale!