Musings from a Trade Show- Part 3- Denver Gem & Mineral

[DinaLRosenberg]

Hi retail friends.

Just back from the Denver Gem & Mineral show- the 2nd biggest show in the World. Here are my findings.

1) some regular vendors were no shows- don't know why- but those we saw in the same place year after year- no where to be found

2) some vendors reported difficulty getting into the country and considerable expensive acquiring a visa (could be reason for #1)

3) Prices are up again.. Materials that were $18/kg in January 2026 are now $25/kg- that's over 38% increase in prices. 

4) overall traffic seemed to be down according to most vendors. A lot of internet/TikTok sellers came early- but most of those sellers don't move tons of volume that we can see. 

We bought less than we normally do- we are adjusting our purchasing with consumer sentiment which seems to be more book/craft focused and less mineral focus.

For those of you that attend trade shows what have you noticed in your niche?