Now, didn't we just see each other?

It's hard to keep track, but I'm pretty sure we've only been back in our respective offices two days or so since returning from the Las Vegas Market. Yet, the moment I finish writing this column, we'll be meeting yet again, this time under the banner of Textiles, and, correct me if I'm wrong but, wasn't there a little something called the International Area Rug Market about 15 minutes before Las Vegas?

I bring this up because you have brought this up, over and over again, and because, individually, you seem to wonder if you are each the only person, the only buyer, the only vendor feeling that all you do anymore is go to markets. Well, I am here to tell you that you're not alone. In fact, you're about the largest special-interest group in this industry. So, my question to you is this: What are you going to do about it?

Walking the halls at World Market Center, I was met with tired eyes and energy derived almost entirely from caffeine. And what were you telling me? Most often, "We flew here straight from Atlanta," "We'll see you next week in New York" or "Oh, are we in Vegas?" You have asked me to address it in print, and I have, repeatedly. But I can only write about it so many times. There are official answers to these questions, and I assure you I will be given nothing more. When you don't pay the rent and you don't walk around with the checkbook, you don't get to call the shots.

I am not by any means petitioning for any particular market to be shut down, but I am encouraging you--the buyers, the suppliers, the executives, the people who keep these markets rolling--to speak your minds to the powers behind the big green curtains. You are their lifeline. They will listen to you. Start a committee and formulate a plan, a more accommodating schedule, ideas to save both the markets and your sanity. Can dates be moved? Can timeframes be abbreviated? Can you send a smaller staff?

You must band together to address the situation or be doomed to complain about it forever. Until then, I will see you at the next market.

Jennifer Quail is group editor, floor covering. She can be reached at
jquail@hfnmag.com - mail>jquail@hfnmag.com.