By IvyLee Rosario
Gearing up for the next big wholesale cash-and-carry show at Tennessee’s Gatlinburg Convention Center, the Merchandiser caught up with Linda Norton, co-owner of the Norton Shows Company, to outline highlights of their upcoming November event.
Known far and wide for the hospitality and creative entertainment provided for their wholesale buyers, the Norton family prides themselves on making each of their four seasonal shows a fun and engaging experience. “When we first started out in 1986 the economy wasn’t so strong but we were still well received,” reminisces Norton, “Now, 29 years later, we are doing amazingly well. The secret to their success, Norton stresses is the personal touch.” We treat our exhibitors and buyers with respect and kindness. If things are done right then you will have a positive outcome.”
Covering three main product lines consisting of apparel, high fashion jewelry and gifts, the November Norton Show will have dozens of new exhibitors, as well as many returning favorites. Buyers attending the show, running from November 14 -16 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, can expect to be dazzled by the more than 800 booths filled with quality merchandise. The products on display cover a wide variety of new items, Norton shares, “We have everything from home décor, rustic furniture and perfume to makeup and fashion accessories.”
When asked which particular items are selling best for retailers, Norton offers, “Some especially popular products we are seeing are cashmere sweaters, jackets, leather products, apparel with fur, leggings, gloves and other winter apparel.”
Looking ahead to the fall show, Norton is enthusiastic about the seasonal entertainments they have planned. “November is always one of our busiest trade shows but I love every minute of it. We have a friendly atmosphere and the positive attitudes are contagious. Every year we bring in an Elvis tribute artist to bring some fun to the show.” Buyers attend the show from all across the country, and their appreciation for the little personal touches is a point of pride for Norton. “We try our best to decorate to impress our attendees as well as be friendly and knowledgeable. We have a great staff that works well together to bring new ideas to life.” Feedback from buyers attending the show is also critical to the long-standing success enjoyed by the family-owned company.
If you are interested in attending this fabulous cash-and-carry show located at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you may register for free with the NortonShows.com. As a reminder, in order to make purchases at the show, you will need to provide your business license, copies of three consecutive cancelled payroll checks and a photo ID or driver’s license.
Norton Shows
PO Box 265
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Tel. 865-436-6151
Website: www.nortonshows.com