By Sue DiFranco
Copyright © 2004 Sue DiFranco/Fun Facts Publishing  
 

Most of you know that the "new wave" of scrapbooking got its start in Utah in 1980, and still has a stronghold in that state, home to many stores, manufacturers, and magazines.

It seems that now the Dallas/Fort Worth area is giving Utah a run for its money. Although there has been an avid interest in scrapbooking, as well as many stores, there for several years, it looks like lately Dallas may as well name itself the new home of scrapbooking. Witness these facts:

Approximately 30 stores in the DFW area are currently open, including the award-winning Scrappy's with two locations in Dallas and Plano, run by the fabulous Jean Bergeson. [2004 update: sadly, Scrappy's closed its doors. It will be missed!]

Michaels execs see the popularity of scrapbooking in the DFW area and decide to launch their scrapbook-only stores, Recollections, there.

Barbara LaMunion planned on opening 15 franchise stores called Annie's Scrapbook Garden in the DFW area. She says she nixed plans when investors pulled out after learning of Michaels' store plans.

The Hobby Industry Association took its annual trade show out of Anaheim and over to - you guessed it - Dallas for 2004.

There is even a guide to scrapbooking in the DFW area! Trista Perot has written "Scrap To It! The Ultimate Guide to Scrapbooking in the DFW Metroplex," a book that features information on all the stores, including maps, directions, classes, and more.
http://www.scrapbookdfw.com/ultimate_guide.htm
guide@scrapbookdfw.com

Retailers, I see a strong need for all-day (perhaps even two-day!) bus trips for scrapbookers to hit each store. Think about teaming up with Memories Community, an association who has had great success with organized bus trips. This could even be a "destination event" - why limit it to locals only? Scrappers could fly in from across the world to spend a day or two in the hotbed area of scrapping!
http://www.memoriescommunity.com

Just another free idea to pass along...if any of you put these ideas into practice, please let me know so I'll know they're working!

Once again, I wish you all the best of success...however you define it!