Atlantic City May 6th-8th Chicago June 10th-12th 10th-12th
4/20 Aftermanth: Turn Empty Shelves Into Opportunity
By Kevin Dankman
CHAMPS Summer Show in Vegas is Your Ticket to New Buyers and Big Opportunities
By CHAMPS Magazine Staff
By Bernie Boulders
By Amear Moretall
ISSUE 69 | MAY 2025
Writing
Amear Moretall
Bernie Boulders
CHAMPS Show Magazine Staff
Kevin Dankman
Photography
CHAMPS Show Magazine Staff
Dabsel Adams
Design & Layout
Sixxx
Publisher
CHAMPS Trade Shows
Editorial Director
Kevin Dankman
Ad Sales
Kevin Dankman
Becca
Office 818-616-7424
By Kevin Dankman
The 4/20 frenzy is over. Now, the real work begins. Savvy smoke shop owners see the post-4/20 period not as downtime but as a crucial opportunity. If your sale was successful, you've cleared out dead inventory and created valuable shelf space. This isn't just about restocking; it's about re-strategizing to maximize profits and set the stage for the rest of the year.
Before ordering, deep dive into your 4/20 sales data. Your POS system holds the key. What were your absolute bestsellers? What items, even discounted, didn't move? Equally important: What did customers ask for that you didn't have? This data, combined with staff feedback, paints a clear picture of unmet demand.
Now, balance your re-ordering. Prioritize replenishing those proven winners – they're your foundation. But crucially, allocate a portion of your budget and shelf space to new products. This is your chance to introduce trending items, respond to customer requests, and test emerging cate gories. Think of it as an 80/20 split: 80% on proven sellers, 20% on strategic experimentation (starting with smaller quantities) of course). Continues On Page 27
Restocking is more than just product. Use this opportunity for a store refresh. Deep clean everything – shelves, cases, storage. Re-evaluate your merchandising: Are displays visually appealing and easy to navigate? Train your staff on new products; their knowledge is key to sales. Review your pricing for competitiveness and supplier cost changes.
Speaking of suppliers, leverage this period to strengthen those relationships. Negotiate for better bulk deals on your bestsellers. Ask about upcoming releases and industry trends. A good supplier is a partner who can offer valuable market insights. Consider diversifying your suppliers to mitigate risk. Don't hesitate to utilize their experience.
Think beyond the immediate restock. What's on the horizon? Local events, holidays, seasonal shifts? As summer approaches, factor in products that are popular during warmer months. Align your restocking with any upcoming promotions or marketing campaigns. This proactive approach keeps you ahead of the curve.
The post-4/20 restock isn't a chore; it's a strategic pivot. By embracing data, buying smart, and refreshing your store, you turn empty shelves into a launchpad for sustained growth. Don't just refill –reimagine.
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• Sales Data Analysis:
Identify bestsellers and underperformers.
• Budget & Inventory:
Set a budget; track inventory meticulously.
• New vs. Proven:
Balance replenishment with strategic new product introductions.
• Supplier Negotiation:
Seek better deals and industry insights.
• Store Refresh:
Clean, organize, and update merchandising.
• Staff Training:
Equip your team with product knowledge.
• Competitor Analysis:
Note any successful promotions to use or failures to avoid.
By CHAMPS Magazine Staff
It may feel like we just wrapped up the first quarter rush, and planning for summer may be premature. But blink, and the Las Vegas heat will be upon us –and with it, one of the most cru cial industry events of the year: the CHAMPS Trade Show Summer edition. While the desert temperatures soar, the opportunities inside the convention center promise to be even hotter.
Marking your calendar for CHAMPS Summer isn't just recommended; it's essential for savvy buyers and forwardthinking exhibitors.
Scheduled just a couple of short months from now, the Vegas summer show consistently ranks as the second largest and second most attended event on the CHAMPS calendar. This isn't just another date on the expo circuit; it's a powerhouse gath ering that draws significant players and presents unique advantages distinct from its winter counterpart. The scale alone speaks volumes –thousands of industry profes sionals converging under one roof means unparalleled access to the latest products, emerging trends, and vital networking connections that can shape your business trajectory for the second half of the year and beyond.
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But CHAMPS Summer offers more than just size; it cultivates what attendees describe as a "different vibe and tribe." Perhaps it's the energy of Las Vegas in the summer, or maybe it’s the specific mix of attendees this show attracts, but there's a distinct atmosphere. This unique environment can foster different kinds of conversations, spark fresh ideas, and lead to connections you might not make at other times of the year. It’s an opportunity to engage with the industry in a setting that blends serious business with the unmistakable energy of summer in Vegas.
The most compelling reason to prioritize CHAMPS Summer, however, lies in the numbers –specifically, the buyers. Organizers anticipate over 6,000 buyers will walk the show floor. Even more significantly, projections indicate that a staggering 80% of these attendees will be buyers who have not attended a CHAMPS show earlier in the year. Let that sink in. For exhibitors, this represents an enormous, largely untapped audience – fresh leads, new potential accounts, and businesses actively seeking inventory and partnerships now. It’s a golden opportunity to get your brand and products in front of faces who haven't already been saturated by the year's earlier expos.
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For buyers, both new and returning, this influx of fresh perspectives is equally valuable. New attendees bring different questions, diverse regional demands, and unique business challenges, fostering a dynamic environment for everyone. Returning buyers can leverage this unique demographic mix to discover overlooked product niches, gain insights into emerging regional trends by talking to new retailers, and build relationships with a wider, more diverse network of peers. This isn't just about seeing new products; it's about engaging with a different cross-section of the market.
Beyond the show floor buzz and the critical mass of new buyers, CHAMPS Summer is renowned for its "Summer Bargains." Whether it's exhibitors clearing out specific lines before fall introductions, offering special deals to capture mid-year bud gets, or creating bundles perfect for seasonal inventory shifts, buyers consistently find excep tional value. This is the show to stock up, discover unexpected deals, and potentially secure inventory at margins that boost your bottom line heading into the latter half of the year. Be prepared to explore, ask ques tions, and negotiate – the oppor
drop: Las Vegas itself. Attending CHAMPS Summer means immersing yourself not only in the industry but also in one of the world's entertainment capitals. The long summer evenings are perfect for networking over dinner at world-class restaurants, entertaining key clients, or simply unwinding with colleagues amidst the dazzling Vegas nightlife. This blend of focused business during the day and unparalleled entertainment options after hours adds immense value to the trip, making it easier to justify the investment in time and travel. It’s a chance to recharge your business and yourself.
So, while summer might seem distant, the window to plan for the CHAMPS Trade Show Summer event is closing faster than you think. The combination of its significant scale, the unique summer atmosphere, the incredible influx of new buyers, the potential for substantial bargains, and the allure of Las Vegas makes this a can't-miss event. Start booking your travel, registering your team, and preparing your strategy now. The heat is coming, and so are the opportunities – make sure you're there to capitalize on them.
By Bernie Boulders
The soft hum of the atmospheric purifier was Elias Thorne’s constant companion. In 2105, the air in Neo-Veridia City was perpetually… curated. Inside “The Cloud Canopy,” however, the air held a different kind of curated quality: the subtle, shifting fragrances of a hundred different bio-engineered botanicals. Elias, his silver hair neatly trimmed and his augmented vision scanning the holographic displays, surveyed his domain. Gone were the days of dusty shelves lined with pre-rolled combustibles. His shop was a sanctuary of light and living green, where personalized aromatherapy experiences and nuanced flavor profiles reigned supreme.
May. It always brought a particular kind of tension to the air, a feeling akin to the charged atmosphere before a summer storm. For Elias and his fellow purveyors of fine botanical vaporizers, May wasn’t just about the lengthening days; it was the month the Botanical Innovation Authority (BIA) unleashed its annual “May Showers” – a deluge of new regulations, approved strains, and, most importantly, groundbreaking technologies.
This year, the whispers had been louder than usual. Talk of “symbiotic vaporizers” had been circulating in the indus try forums for months, devic es that promised to go beyond mere vaporization, interact ing directly with the user’s bio-signatures for a truly personalized experience. Elias, a man who still remem bered the satisfying crackle of pre-regulation tobacco, felt a familiar mix of appre hension and intrigue.
The official BIA announce ments arrived on the first Tuesday of May, cascading through his neural implant like a digital waterfall. Elias leaned back in his ergonomic chair, the supple bio-leather conforming to his frame, and scrolled through the direc tives. As expected, several of his long-standing, popular botanical blends were now facing stricter licensing pro tocols, citing new research on long-term effects. He sighed. Navigating the ever-shifting regulatory landscape was a constant challenge. But then, his eyes caught a new catego ry: “Bio-Integrated Vaporiza tion Systems – Provisional Approval.” This was it. The symbiotic devices.
Just as he was absorbing the implications, the chime above his shop entrance announced a visitor. A young woman with vibrant, bioluminescent streaks woven into her hair stepped inside. She carried herself with an air of confident energy, and her eyes, sharp and intelligent, scanned the displays.
“Mr. Thorne?” she inquired, her voice carrying a slight, melodic lilt. “I’m Anya Sharma, from BloomTech.”
Elias rose, extending a hand. “Ms. Sharma. I’ve been hearing quite a bit about BloomTech.”
Anya smiled, a flash of genuine enthusiasm. “We believe we’re on the cusp of a revolution, Mr. Thorne. We’ve developed the ‘Bloom’ – a symbiotic vaporizer that utilizes real-time biofeedback to optimize the user’s experience.” She held up a sleek,
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palm-sized device crafted from what looked like polished jade. It pulsed with a soft, internal light.
Elias raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Biofeedback, you say? That sounds… rather intrusive.”
Anya chuckled. “Not at all! The Bloom uses non-invasive sensors to analyze subtle physiological signals – heart rate variability, skin conductivity, even minute shifts in brainwave patterns – to tailor the vaporization process. It ensures optimal absorption, personalized flavor profiles, and even enhances the desired effects of the botanical.”
Elias remained unconvinced. He’d seen countless gadgets promising similar miracles over the decades. “And what about the human element, Ms. Sharma? The ritual, the personal preference?”
“Those aren’t lost, Mr. Thorne,” Anya countered. “The Bloom offers a vast library of botanical profiles, allowing users to explore and customize their experiences. But it takes it a step further, ensuring that each inhalation is as effective and enjoyable as possible for that specific individual at that specific moment.”
Over the next few weeks, Elias found himself in constant conversation with Anya. She patiently explained the science behind the Bloom, the rigorous test
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“Mrs. Petrov,” he said, “we have a new device that might be able to help. It analyzes your body’s response in real-time and adjusts the delivery accordingly.” He introduced her to the Bloom, and with Anya’s remote assistance, they guided Mrs. Petrov through the initial setup.
The change was almost immediate. Mrs. Petrov’s brow unfurled, and a look of calm settled over her face. “This is… remarkable,” she murmured, taking another gentle inhalation. “The jitters are gone, but I still feel the clarity.”
That moment was a turning point for Elias. He witnessed firsthand the power of this new technology to truly personalize the experience in a way he hadn’t thought possible. He realized that innovation wasn’t about erasing the past but about using the tools of the future to enhance the present.
As May drew to a close, “The Cloud Canopy” began to feature a dedicated section for bio-integrated vaporizers, with the Bloom taking center stage. Elias, with Anya’s ongoing support, trained his holographic assistants to explain the intricacies of the technology, emphasizing the personalized benefits and the rigorous safety protocols.
The “May Showers” had indeed brought a deluge of change, but for Elias Thorne, they had also fostered a new understanding, a realization that the core of his business –providing customers with tailored experiences that enhanced their well-being –remained constant, even in the face of radical innovation. Looking out at the subtly fragrant haze that now permeated Neo-Veridia City, a testament to the evolving world of botanical vaporizers, Elias felt a sense of quiet optimism. The industry was blooming anew, and he, the seasoned veteran, was ready to embrace the future, one personalized puff at a time.
By Amear Moretall
Smoke shops are popping up on every corner, rivaling even gas stations in their ubiquity. But in a market that's rapidly becoming saturated, simply existing isn't enough. To truly thrive, smoke shops need to embrace a crucial strategy: diversification. Expanding product lines and venturing into new, yet related, territories is no longer a luxury – it's the key to long-term sustainability and a thriving future.
The modern smoke shop is facing a critical juncture. Increased competition demands a proactive approach. Staying stagnant means risking obsolescence. The solution? Thinking outside the traditional "smoke shop" box and embracing the broader
CHAMPS Trade Show has long recognized this evolving landscape. They foresaw that the future of the industry lies in embracing a wider spectrum of counter-culture products and experiences. By incorporating product lines from cultivation, mycology, adult novelty, and even tattoo supplies, CHAMPS has positioned itself as a pioneer, showing businesses how to appeal to a broader audience and build a more resilient business model.
They are even attracting Culture Retailers and Boardsports Shops, recognizing the crossover appeal. Skateboarders, tattoo enthusiasts, and cultivators, adult product consumers all represent different facets of a larger counter-culture movement, and these segments have more in common than people think.
By offering a diverse range of products, you can appeal to a broader demographic. Not everyone who appreciates quality smoking accessories is interested in just smoking accessories. They might also be passionate about home cultivation, unique art, or body modification.
The market is constantly evolving. By proactively diversifying, you're better positioned to adapt to changing trends and consumer preferences.
Diversification creates multiple avenues for income. Instead of relying solely on traditional tobacco and smoking products, you can tap into new markets and generate revenue from previously untapped sources.
A shop that caters to a variety of interests becomes more than just a place to buy supplies; it becomes a hub for a community. Customers are more likely to return to a store that understands and caters to their multifaceted lifestyle.
A wider array of products offers more opportunities for upselling and cross-selling, boosting the average transaction value.
CHAMPS Trade Show
embodies this very principle. It's not just a trade show for smoke shops; it's a convergence of counter-culture in all its vibrant forms. It's the place where businesses can discover the next big thing, connect with suppli-
ers from diverse industries, and learn how to effectively integrate new product lines into their existing models.
This is the show where counter culture meets culture. It is the place to discover how to make your
shop not just survive, but prosper in a rapidly evolving marketplace. The future of the smoke shop industry is here, and it's diverse, dynamic, and full of opportunity. Don't get left behind – diversify and thrive.
Join us in the exciting city of Atlantic City for our May event! Experience the energy of the boardwalk, world-class entertainment, and our premier exhibition at the state-of-the-art Atlantic City Convention Center.
Atlantic City Convention Center
While the official booking code has expired, we recommend contacting the following hotels directly to inquire about potential availability: Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel Tropicana Atlantic City
EXHIBITOR MOVE-IN
Monday, May 5th, 2025: 8:00am - 8:00pm Tuesday, May 6th, 2025: 8:00am - 10:00am SHOW HOURS
Tuesday, May 6th, 2025: 11:00am - 6:00pm Wednesday, May 7th, 2025: 11:00am - 6:00pm Thursday, May 8th, 2025: 11:00am - 6:00pm
EXHIBITOR MOVE-OUT
Thursday, May 8th, 2025: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Friday, May 9th, 2025: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Experience the Energy Near Chicago!
While technically located in Rosemont, Illinois, our June event offers the convenience and vibrancy associated with the Windy City. The Donald E Stephens Convention Center is conveniently located just a stone's throw from O’Hare International Airport, making travel a breeze.
Donald E Stephens Convention Center (Rosemont, Illinois)
Conveniently located near O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Book your hotel by May 12th, 2025, to take advantage of special rates! Enjoy our complimentary airport shuttle service to and from the following hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago O'Hare Airport - Rosemont:
Rate: $195 per night plus tax | Availability: June 9th to June 12th, 2025
Special Feature: Known for the "Best Bed"!
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O'Hare Rosemont:
Rate: $205 per night plus tax | Availability: June 9th to June 12th, 2025
Special Feature: Offers the "Best Breakfast"!
EXHIBITOR MOVE-IN
Monday, June 9, 2025: 8:00am - 8:00pm Tuesday, June 10, 2025: 8:00am - 10:00am SHOW HOURS
Tuesday, June 10, 2025: 11:00am - 6:00pm Wednesday, June 11, 2025: 11:00am - 6:00pm Thursday, June 12, 2025: 11:00am - 6:00pm
EXHIBITOR MOVE-OUT
Thursday, June 12, 2025: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Friday, June 13, 2025: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Whether you're joining us in the vibrant atmosphere of Atlantic City in May or the conveniently located event near Chicago in June, we look forward to welcoming you! Be sure to mark your calendars and make the necessary arrangements for a successful and engaging experience. We can't wait to see you there!
