Exactly What the Retail Doctor Ordered

Well what an amazing experience that was, the support at the CBS Arena Wellington was absolutely overwhelming. To think that the organisers, sponsors and volunteers would do all of that for us is very heart-warming indeed! Must have been very hard to pull off something like that because of the diversity of exhibitors at the show. We all had different requirements, needs and requests so I can’t even imagine the pressure that put on Heather and Rochelle & the team. There were so may emails and phonecalls I lost count, but after 4 long months, they pulled it off so gracefully!

In times like these, it is very easy to lose perspective of things when sales come to a stand-still but all it takes are a few purchases to renew your faith & hope in your business. It makes you realise that it’s not your products that are the problem but the situation and the circumstances. I always try hard to keep that in mind but sometimes, you need to be reminded as a small business when paranoia kicks in. Heading northbound to new previously untouched terrain was the perfect anti-dote for the gruelling few months that had preceded us Cantabrians. It literally injected this huge amazing new energy into Matrace for me. The reaction to my clothing was off the radar. Cyclists, non-cyclists, anyone who partakes in any type of gym activity was constantly complimenting, gushing and applauding me for doing something different.  And boy did the sales come in, so much so, that the people of Wellington even refused discounts offered as they said that this was their way to support us & that they had to commit to it and do it properly. And so, they paid full price for everything at my stall!

Lana Co-Croft was absolutely amazing, working hard all week-end as an M-C, interviewing all the exhibitors and drawing lots of attention to our stalls. My volunteer and now good friend and Matrace girl Lydia, went above and beyond the call of duty for me and my business! She turned up on the morning of the second a fast and crazy ball of energy, exactly what you need at an expo. I’ll be honest and say, I didn’t know how to work a crowd at one of these things...until she came along so I watched and listened very closely as she closed sales so effortlessly. Her energy was contagious and before long, I was also a pro. I learned a lot from here, she even analysed my sales tactics after the first day of the show and gave me pointers for the next day! Of course, there were lots of other volenteers around over the two-days, always there offering their support, it was incredible. I really couldn't have done it without them all!!! Thank you Rick for making the competition box, it looked fantastic with at least 100 of my fliers taped all over it:-) And thank you Ritsa for always getting me tea and hot water:-)

The expo was heaps of fun, I met loads of lovely people, it was great for my business and has given me the impetus now to drive ahead with a brand new vision and energy for Matrace.

Once again, to the 'Hands Up' team & to 'The Hurricanes' who sponsored my stall, thanks a million, I am truly touched by your love and kindness, xxx

Matrace Cycling Clothing