The Buyers Market of American Craft, the nation’s largest wholesale craft show, is shifting its summer show dates to Saturday through Monday, Aug. 4-6. While the show typically opens on a Friday, the new dates will provide more flexibility for buyers to visit the summer show.

The show is held twice per year at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.

“The new show dates are a direct reflection of the feedback we’ve received from attendees over the past year,” said show director Christine Kloostra. “Retailers in summer resort areas sometimes find it difficult to go on summer buying trips, resulting in lower stocks for the upcoming holiday season. We believe that shifting the show dates will make it easier for many retailers to make this important buying trip.”

To accent the new show schedule, the Buyers Market will welcome back retail consultant and speaker Rick Segel on Aug. 6. The author of The Essential Online Solution: The 5-Step Formula for Small Business Success, Segel will lead a seminar for retailers entitled “Fix Your Ugly Web site!” Designed for independent retailers rather than “techies,” Segel will show retailers how to maximize their online presence while minimizing their marketing costs.

Other special events include a Merchandising Success Bus Tour on Aug. 3, a Buyers Market Party at the National Constitution Center on August 4, and the annual NICHE Top Retailer Awards on August 5.

Retailers can view a complete show schedule, register for the Buyers Market of American Craft and sign up for seminars by visiting www.AmericanCraft.com or calling 800.432.7238 ext. 211.

JCK