Shop! marketplace

recap

Unified Resources in Display

Endcap with Digital Display

Unified Resources in Display

4 Way with Digital Display

This year, Unified Resources in Display’s President, Mitchell Edelman, attended the Shop! Marketplace trade event and is happy to report that it was an enriching experience. Our team had the honor of winning all three of our entries in the Outstanding Merchandising Achievement (OMA) competition, securing a Gold, a Silver, and a Bronze award. These accolades were a testament to our hard work and dedication to creating exceptional displays for our clients.

While we celebrated our victories, we couldn't help but notice a trend among the winners. Many award-winning displays were produced in the minimum quantities required—50 for permanent and 100 for temporary displays. This practice raises an interesting discussion point. Producing displays in such small quantities allows for almost prototype-like quality, which is not feasible or affordable in standard production runs. In Mitchell Edelman’s opinion, these should be considered separate categories to maintain fairness in the competition, as the larger production runs present unique challenges that should be acknowledged.

Another notable change this year was the elimination of the traditional cigar store Indian trophy by the Shop association. The origins of this trophy are rooted in the historical use of cigar store Indians as symbols of tobacconists. These wooden statues, often depicting Native Americans, were used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to advertise tobacco shops. However, these symbols have become increasingly controversial due to their cultural insensitivity and stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans. The decision to retire this trophy reflects the association's commitment to evolving standards of political correctness and cultural sensitivity.

The venue this year was a significant improvement over last year's, accommodating approximately 33% more exhibitors. The increased participation was evident, with nearly 50% more entries into the OMA competition. This surge in participation underscores the growing importance and prestige of the event within our industry.

The seminars and presentations were particularly impressive, offering valuable insights and knowledge. Chuck Luckenbill's presentation was a standout, delivering high-quality content that was well-received by attendees.

Overall, the Shop! Marketplace trade event was a tremendous success, providing not only recognition for Unified Resources in Display’s work but also offering a platform for meaningful industry discussions and learning opportunities. We look forward to next year's event and the continued evolution of this pivotal industry gathering.

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