Held again at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center right on a beautiful small pond, this show while not one of the biggest, the New England Grooming Show may just be the one with the best atmosphere. People are friendly and smiling and competitors seem more relaxed. Vendors are ready to assist with general information as well as purchases. And the drive there will provide some spectacular fall foliage views. If you are near New England, plan to make the trip next year as it’s worth it.
The Frank Rowe and Son booth was one of the more popular ones with an array of popular brushes, combs, blades, shampoos and conditioners, and all the necessary accessories to our trade. I got some ikaria Retreat grooming spray. It’s great for silky coats especially going into the drier winter months when a static reducer may be needed when brushing and scissoring, as it is light enough not to make soft coats “greasy” looking, but still stops static and makes brushing easier. Customers love the light rose scent.
I talked to a vendor about air purification products for homes and grooming salons, saw wonderful designs for grooming apparel, and watched some top-notch groomers in the competition ring. If you are wondering about the tools Groom Team eligible stylists use, sitting ringside is an education in itself.
Susan Divine Sholar at the AKC S.A.F.E. booth talked about the importance of safety in salons, and of assuring your customers that their pet’s safety is important to the salon. With all the media coverage of unfortunate incidents in salons around the country pet owner awareness of the risks in grooming is at an all time high. This program not only provides reassurance to clients that you are safety conscious, it has a lot of useful information included. More on that in a later blog, but in the meantime – go to grooming shows whenever you can! Next up; Fun in the Sun, Orlando FL, October 21 – 23.
By Carol Visser, Journalist, Master Pet Groomer, Certified Dog Trainer, Pet Product Expert
