Apotheca Unveiled: Triumph at Melbourne's Reed Gift Fair
Every year, the Melbourne Trade Fair stirs up a wave of excitement within the Urban Rituelle team – myself included. It's an event that holds a special place on our calendar, a culmination of meticulous planning and dedication that spans six months.
From the very beginning of the journey, the anticipation is real! We embark on preparations many months in advance – booking flights, arranging accommodation, and orchestrating every logistical detail. Our focus shifts towards our new product development as Jodie, Alana & I pour our creativity into crafting captivating fragrances, designing impeccable packaging, and curating an inspiring catalogue.
As the event draws nearer, the buzz intensifies. Two months before the fair, our product samples arrive, setting the stage for an intricate dance of photography and marketing material creation for our catalogue.
The final countdown, a month before the event, starts our catalogue’s journey to the printing press and the meticulous preparation of samples for display at the tradeshow. Our stand and samples are meticulously packed and prepped, ready to ship to Melbourne.
The week leading up to the event is crucial, as the team hones their product knowledge and familiarises themselves with the technology we'll be using.
Urban Rituelle's dedication to excellence also extends to the physical setup of our award-winning stand. Three days before the event, Scott and our warehouse manager Ashley, arrive in Melbourne to build the stand, followed by the rest of the team, who arrive on Friday morning, to put the finishing touches on the visual merchandising.
On Saturday morning, showtime arrives with a flourish of lights, music, and action. Alana, Mel & myself are dressed for success, reflecting our unity and determination, taking the stage with boundless enthusiasm!
This year was particularly special for us as we launched our brand-new home fragrance collection, Apotheca. The response to Apotheca was overwhelmingly positive! Our retail partners were captivated by the elegance and sophistication of the 6 fragrances, as well as the uniqueness of the packaging. The collection struck a chord, providing a fresh alternative that stood out in a sea of sameness!
The emotional rollercoaster of hoping the months of hard work resonate with customers is transformed into elation as the positive feedback poured in. A huge highlight for me is talking to returning customers, who are inspired by our exceptional quality and customer care. There is nothing better than a customer returning to do business with us.
To hear such fantastic feedback, and to be told repeatedly that our collections are so loved and that our team are so friendly and professional, was truly exhilarating. Many of our customers come onto the stand with big smiles and hugs and provide positive feedback that truly makes my heart sing.
At the end of each day, the team unwinds with a delicious meal and a glass of wine, sharing stories of the day, before we head back to our apartment, jump back into our PJ’s and refresh, ready for the day ahead.
As the trade fair concludes, we dismantle the stand, ensuring that it is carefully packed and shipped back to Sydney. Back in the office, Kim, our office manager processes the orders, ensuring the shipments are dispatched with the utmost care.
The Melbourne Trade Fair is not just an event or about showcasing products; it's a testament to teamwork, dedication, and the connections formed with our customers. It’s a celebration of success, fuelled by a shared commitment to making customers' lives more beautiful and continuing to create rituals that make people feel good.