Retail sales in the United States have been on the rise for decades. Although economic factors have shown some negative effects for the retail industry, it has not been enough to change the prevailing trend.  The retail shopping experience is an integral part of American society. In recent decades electronics have become increasingly popular amongst consumers.  Tradeshows have enhanced and even fueled the retail shopping experience further.

In 2008 and 2009 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in United States had shown a period of flattening and a even a drop. In that same time period retail sales plummeted but then eventually returned to a positive trend.  Overall GDP and retail sales have been showing growth over the past 20 years.  Transportation, culture, politics, and a growing population may be contributing factors for the rise of retail sales. Even without a definitive reason for the impressive trends, retail sales are a major part of American commerce.  With that said, the retail industry has continued to develop and innovate.

Electronics have become a significant portion of retail sales numbers.  Popular electronic categories include entertainment, communications and hardware that improves office productivity. Compared to items historically sold, electronics are fairly new to the scene. Technological advancements related to electronics have held an impressive pace over the past 50 years.  Consumer electronics, in particular, have been undergoing rapid improvements that add to features, capabilities, and improved energy consumption.  Americans have been replacing good working electronics with newer hardware solutions more than ever.  In turn, this pattern of purchasing is stimulating sales.  According to Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of CEA, the consumer technology industry will reach $1 trillion dollars globally in 2012.  Although the internet has been augmenting consumer buying habits, brick and mortar retail sales have maintained a place in the hearts of consumers.  Due to the complexity and variety of electronics, consumers find value in shopping for such products in a retail setting where they can touch and demo electronics prior to purchasing.

There are tradeshows for almost every industry. There are definitely tradeshows geared toward the retail industry.  In fact, retail tradeshows have been on the rise over the past few decades. Retail tradeshows have been catering to organizations that manufacture and distribute products in a couple of ways. One way is to create a means of displaying products and to interact with those who have interest. Another way tradeshows have impacted retail establishments is by consolidating retail design solutions that aim to improve how retail businesses impact consumers and visitors.

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is one of the biggest tradeshows in the United States.  CES, owned and produced by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®, has a 44 year history.  This tradeshow is aimed giving electronic hardware manufacturers and service providers a venue to put products and services on display.  The event attracts a significant amount of media and press. It also presents a relevant meeting point for industry professionals.  There were over 3,000 exhibitors and a staggering 153,000 attendees at the 2012 CES event in Las Vegas, Nevada. The exhibitor line-up includes industry giants such as Sony, Google, Facebook, Apple, BMW, Ford, LG, Vizio, Canon, Nokia, and Samsung.  Computer products, TVs, Audio Products, and mobile products are some of the most popular items on display at CES in recent years.  In addition, there were numerous Hollywood celebrities in attendance including Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Ludacris, 50 Cent, Wil.i.am, Wayne Brady, Jillian Michaels, LL Cool J, Ryan Seacrest, Will Smith and Kelly Clarkson at the 2012 event.  Many exhibitors at these types of venues do sell products at the event and thus those sales will also qualify as retail sales. 

In terms of effectiveness, the tradeshow format took a big hit at the end of 2011. The blow came with an announcement from one of the major long time sponsors of CES.  Microsoft Announced that the 2012 CES event would be their last tradeshow.  Microsoft has decided to put more energy into the emerging social media tools and related opportunities.  As online options are becoming increasingly sophisticated and available, they are also commonly being considered in the list of viable marketing options.  At the same time CES is not void of social media.  Exhibitor booths encourage visitors to connect and comment, via social networks, while on location.

There is another type of tradeshow that focuses on helping businesses with their retail sales strategies. One such tradeshow is known as GlobalShop.  This tradeshow focuses on retail design solutions that aim to improve how retail businesses impact consumers and visitors.  GlobalShop is also held in Las Vegas, Nevada.  GlobalShop is produced by Nielsen Business Media in Alpharetta, Georgia.  Nielsen Company has assembled a leadership team that includes President: David Loechner, Vice President, Digital: Teresa Reilly, Senior Vice President, Building & Design: Joe Randall, and Senior Account Executives: David Muirhead and Roarke Dowd.  Tradeshow director Tim Fearney said “This event has been inspiring attendees for 20 years, and we invite the retail industry to join us for some new surprises in 2012.”  Globalshop provides a venue that addresses what retailers need to build brands and create effective retail environment primarily through education, conferences, peer networking and supplier interaction. Globalshop presents opportunities to gain insight into retail trends and evolving consumer behavior.

Over 600 of the industry’s suppliers will be exhibiting and displaying the latest solutions to help businesses to stay competitive in the retail market.  This will give attendees and other exhibitors a chance to get a hands-on experience with the newest retail innovations and over 10,000 products.  The hands-on opportunity enables businesses to make informed purchasing decisions.  Globalshop expects to see 10,000 attendees, at the 2012 tradeshow, which should enable folks to discover new suppliers and vendors during the event.   Retail Designers, Marketers, Visual Merchandisers, Store Designers, Store Planners, Innovators, Consumer Analysts, Store Mangers, Retail Architects, Purchasing Representatives, and Printers are some of the professionals that will be in attendance, at Globalshop event.

One of the exciting and cutting edge categories within Globalshop is The Digital Store and Digital Hardware Retail Solutions category.  This category includes digital signage and digital photo frames geared for retail use.  The 2012 Globalshop Digital Signage Exhibitors include: Activate The Space LLC, Barlo Signs International, DSA/Phototech, Duco Technologies Inc, ENSI Technology LTD, Kammi Digital Printing Co,Ltd, MDI Worldwide, Micro Industries Inc, Miller Zell, Mood Media, Motion Display, MTI, National Print Group, P-O-P TV div of MPO Video, Perspectives Inprint, Rhombus Services, Richtech System Ltd, SBPI Graphics, Stratacache, Tensator, Inc, Vislogix, Yunker Industries, Inc.

Needless to say Globalshop is going to take its own medicine. Globalshop makes the most of this opportunity by offering creative event sponsorship options.  Registration Sponsor: Catch the attention of attendees as the excitement of a new show lingers just beyond the counter. Badge Holders: Everybody at the show has to wear a badge.  Display your company logo on each and every one. Entrance Flooring: Every time an attendee stepped foot onto the show floor at GlobalShop 2012, they might gaze down at a welcome message that is emblazoned across the entrance flooring.  Reach attendees with your product and messages when they literally step foot into the hall.  Wayfinders: Attendees find their way with the official wayfinder/directory.  These directional signs are strategically located throughout the expo and assist visitors in finding the booth or pavilion they're seeking.  Wayfinders feature the sponsoring company.  Floor / Carpet Graphics: Floor graphics entice attendees to visit your booth.  These graphics beckon your audience along as they walk the show floor.

With robust Retail Sales in the United States retailers should be prepared for opportunity.  Economic factors have shown some negative effects for the retail industry, but there is still demand and room for innovative businesses.  The United States is one of the best places to be if you are a shopper or a retail business. If you are looking for a growing product line, electronics are popular among American consumers.  Tradeshows continue to be a viable resource for solutions that will enhance the retail environment.