MIAMI — Last week, the XBIZ Retreat welcomed a diverse mix of international buyers from around the world to enjoy a one-of-a-kind mix of business and pleasure.
“The XBIZ Retreat in Miami was very useful for me,” said Massimo Bonera from Italy-based Welcomax. “First of all because I made new good contacts and met really nice people. The toys and lingerie sector is constantly evolving and these meetings are important for keeping up with the times and previewing the new products on the market.”
The XBIZ Retreat provided Bonera with a snapshot of the pleasure products industry, which boasts a healthy amount of female entrepreneurs.
“I noticed one thing that’s different from other industries — I had 27 meetings and in 70 percent of the cases I spoke with women who occupy important positions and make important decisions within the company,” Bonera said. “In which other industry is the presence of women so strong, especially in the key roles of a company?”
Praising the work of the XBIZ Retreat organizing team, Bonera said he walked away from the event feeling like a member of a family.
“Competitors yes, but above all friends,” he said.
AC Wholesale's Margaret Saunders and CB-X's Michael TullisHelen Zeal, head of toys at Ann Summers, a British multinational retailer, said she “loved the show.”
“It was a great meeting format, I had some brilliant meetings with new and existing vendors, and will definitely be placing orders with many of them,” she said. “[XBIZ Retreat] was very organized and had disciplined meeting schedules, which I feel everyone respected, so we all had the allotted time. There was a great mix of vendors with different and mostly relevant offerings for my brand.
“The social and networking events and the shared meals were fun and gave a great chance for some relaxed conversations with vendors and also the chance to meet other buyers and swap news and experiences.”
Retail buyers from Latin America also made their way to Miami for the XBIZ Retreat.
Efren Mendez from Luv Store Mexicali in Baja California, said, “I would like to thank all of the XBIZ staff and everybody that made this show possible. You made two of my dreams come true — to visit Miami and to get to know the brands and vendors in person in quiet and quick meetings. It made it easy to make things happen really quickly without so much chatter. It was straight to the point and I totally love it. The hotel was super great, the food was delicious and the activities were awesome. Meeting people from all over the U.S. and other countries was amazing. Also getting to know people from my country and exchanging ideas. It was great to see all of the new releases in person since I’m from another country.”
Monica Dominguez from Celesterra, which operates Erectus stores in Jalisco, Mexico, also made the trek to Miami to connect with manufacturers.
“In my personal opinion, the dynamics in the appointments with the suppliers were perfect and very productive, it was an excellent way to expose all the points and feedback as a whole,” Dominguez said. “It was totally the best experience. In this way we can get to know the companies and the companies can know us, creating a closer relationship, where both of us win when doing business. Excellent organization and great conviviality!”
Efren Mendez of Luv Store MexicaliAlejandra Preciado from Fantasias Sexy Boutique in Baja California, added, “The show was very productive like last year's was; we made new relations with new vendors, strengthened the alliances with the sellers that we are already working with and had a chance to take a look at new products and brands,” she said. “It was so diverse, people from different countries and cultures, sharing with us how the adult industry is in their country and looking forward to collaborating together.”
Donald Wilson from EP Products Canada also made his way down to Miami.
“This event was very successful and a great venue to interact with fellow buyers and vendors,” he said. “There were some great new products to see and vendors were not overly pushy, which has happened in other shows and can be a big turnoff. The dinners and events are a great way for everyone to get to know each other and work better together and exchange ideas about the products. This can only help the industry. Overall it was a great show and I would be happy to attend the next shows.”
Of course, the XBIZ Retreat Miami also was a valuable show for U.S. retailers and distributors.
“The highlights of the show for me were the networking opportunities during the meals and other free times, you really got a chance to bond with your industry peers in a beautiful setting,” said Chad Jenny, Adam & Eve national business consultant. “There were also a couple new products that I think are really going to be a hit and that I am really happy I found. If XBIZ hadn’t set up the connections I may have never met these people or been exposed to their great products.
“I was able to quickly and easily speak to many of my current partners about our new system and procedures for our franchise stores, while exposing new companies on how to work with A&E. It really helps to have such easy access when you know changes are coming and you need to get the word out.”
Kim Marks, owner of Eugene, Ore.-based As You Like It; The Pleasure Shop, said, “This was an amazing opportunity for me to connect with manufactures to both learn how to sell their products better, or get introduced to whole new companies and lines that I am now bringing in to my shop. Getting the time to connect with other stores’ mangers and owners to talk about how they run their business, their struggles, and their victories was inspiring and priceless."
Erica Hickey from Palm Pleasures in Arizona said, “This by far was the best experience we have ever had! The personal one-on-one meetings with the manufacturers were invaluable for our business. We had a great time getting to know others and participating in the various activities, the Beach Olympics was a blast! We can't thank you enough for the invitation to attend.”
Susanna Molina, director of purchasing for Chatsworth, Calif.-based Holiday Products, added, “The XBIZ shows are one of my favorite shows to do. You have 20 minutes to get down to business with new and old vendors. I value the one-on-one time with my vendors that you normally do not get when you attend the larger shows.”
“XBIZ Retreat was a fantastic event all around,” said Allison Brazier, regional sales manager for LSMT in Florida. “Thank you all for the effort it takes to put this retreat together.”
The all-inclusive, invite-only XBIZ Retreat for adult retail leaders is heading to Berlin on Sept. 9-12 for its first-ever event for the European market. For more information, contact theretreat@xbiz.com.
