More than 300 retailers from 32 states and Canada flocked to Gold Crest Distributing L.L.C.’s warehouse in Mexico, Mo., on Oct. 17-18 for the company’s annual open house and trade show.

More than 250 retailers attended the show in 2006.

“Attendance absolutely exceeded even my ever-optimistic forecasts,” said Mel Toellner, owner of Gold Crest. “I couldn’t believe that so many retailers, who have made us their dominant supplier, would come to mid-Missouri. … We’ve decided to again hold the event [in 2008], and will soon be surveying retailers on the best topics and seminars to discuss. We want to do our best to help retailers grow in sales and profits.”

Show highlights included a full day of seminars and exhibits by more than 170 Gold Crest vendors.

“Many of our eight training seminars were standing room only—with the highlight of the day being a panel of four retailers giving ‘30 Tips in 30 Minutes,’ ”said show manager Brenda Wright. Other favorites included “Recommending and Selling Optics” and “Outreach Meetings and Field Trips.” [February 2008 PET AGE]