Show Review of the Month Handcrafters Spring Fling

March 2024, by Sunshine Artist Editor

April 21-22, 2023; Handcrafters Spring Fling, Livonia, MI. Contact: Mercantile Events & Marketing, Stephanie Jones, P.O. Box 55, Goodrich, MI 48438; Email: info@mercmarketing.com; Website: hcshows.com; Space fees: $200 to $450; Space sizes: 7x6 to 8x15; 100% indoors; Exhibitors: 80. Attendance estimate: 2,500. 

Compiled from FastAudit reports 

Handcrafters Spring Fling ranked CC83 in 2023’s 200 Best list. All of the artists who reviewed the 2023 show said they would participate in it again. 

An exhibitor whose medium was other reported $4,000 in sales and described it as a well-organized show. “Attendees appear to have disposable income and were from a wide age range. Sales were good for our first time at this event, and we see great potential for future events,” the vendor said. 

Sales totaled $2,500 for an artist whose medium was fiber/textile/leather. “Great organizers of the show — wonderfully communicative, so friendly, and helpful! I would definitely attempt to encourage new vendors to mix up the regular flow of artists and tap into a new batch of attendees,” the artist said. 

A jewelry artist who made $1,000 wants to return. 

A fiber/textile/leather artist who had $1,000 in sales described it as a well-managed show. The artist said sales were fair on Friday and much better on Saturday. “I would like to see larger booths — 10x10 versus 8x10,” the artist said. 

Promoter’s Self‑Review 

Danielle Golinski is the executive director of Mercantile Fairs, the promoter behind Handcrafters Spring Fling. 

She said this was the beginning of their second year at their new venue and described it as a great show. “We had a mix of old and new vendors offering the best-of-the-best in handmade. Attendance was as expected for a spring show, and shoppers really enjoyed the lounge area and cafe. The mimosa/bloody mary brunch was a hit as well!” Golinski said. 

Attendance was estimated at 2,500, and she shared some of the feedback received from artists. “Old exhibitors reported sales consistent with those of past Spring Fling events,” Golinski said. “New exhibitors were pleasantly surprised at their sales and eager to sign up for future shows.” 

She said something learned at the show that will improve future shows is that some of their long-time exhibitors are retiring, so it is important to seek high-quality products to fill certain niches shoppers like. 

Golinski said the best improvement made this year others might learn from was limiting the size of premium booths they sell to keep a variety of exhibitors. “We also moved the date to accommodate for better weather and to avoid the Easter holiday,” she said. 

Her message to those considering the show is, “Our Spring Fling show was voted in the top 200 in the nation. We have a shopper base that is loyal and comes ready to spend. One of the other things Handcrafters prides itself on is creating an atmosphere of family between ourselves and all the exhibitors. Everyone is genuinely excited to see one another and work together to make a great show!”