Expo for $10 Billion Cart and Kiosk Industry Set for Baltimore

Hanover, MA, October 25, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Following the growth of the mall cart and kiosk industry from $3 billion in 1995 to $10 billion today, Specialty Retail Report — the only magazine for retail entrepreneurs and managers of mall carts, kiosks and temporary in-line stores — has scheduled its first semi-annual trade show for retail entrepreneurs, the Specialty Retail Entrepreneur Expo & Conference (SPREE) in Baltimore in 2007.*

SPREE EAST Baltimore will take place April 25-27 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Cart, kiosk and temporary in-line stores in malls and other retail venues such as theme parks, airports and entertainment venues, remain one of the hottest growth areas in the retail marketplace. Show organizers expect more than 1,000 attendees at the Baltimore show, from entrepreneurs exploring opportunities for their first location to industry veterans looking for the latest hot products, retailing strategies and expansion locations.

"We expect more than 120 exhibitors and more than 1,000 attendees at SPREE EAST Baltimore," said Sally Miller, the Expo's director. "Our past shows in Boston and Long Beach were very well attended and featured hundreds of new product debuts and new locations for cart- and kiosk-based entrepreneurs, so we're anticipating a lively and productive show this April in Baltimore. We're a regional show and we expect the Baltimore show to draw many attendees from New York City; Washington, DC; Philadelphia; Raleigh-Durham, and as far south as Miami."

The show's premier sponsor is Louisville, Ky.-based Happy Feet, the creator and manufacturer of Happy Feet and Animal Feet oversized plush slippers, which are sold from more than 200 carts and kiosks nationwide. "The SPREE show is a fantastic opportunity to meet and talk with new and existing retail entrepreneurs," said Happy Feet's president, Pat Yates. "We love the traffic, social activities and overall atmosphere of the SPREE show."

The semi-annual SPREE shows (April in Baltimore and June in San Jose, CA*) are the largest shows for cart and kiosk retailers, attracting hundreds of entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their businesses. "The shows draw hundreds of people looking to break into this growing segment of retail, as well as the entrepreneurs who have been in the business since it really took hold in malls about 20 years ago," said Patricia Norins, publisher of Specialty Retail Report. "Now there are cart or kiosk programs in just about every mall, airport, theme park or train station you can think of. There are numerous multimillion-dollar companies today that started on a single cart or kiosk, and every year new entrepreneurs with exciting new concepts join this $10 billion industry. Plus, SPREE East will feature dozens of turnkey concepts—complete business start-up packages that make it easy for first-time entrepreneurs to buy into a complete and tested retail concept."

The show offers free educational seminars organized for three different audiences—a Beginner Track and an Advanced Track for retail entrepreneurs, and a Leasing Manager Track. "We have more than a dozen educational seminars that cover everything from Retail 101 to visual merchandising and display tips to expansion strategies," Miller said, adding "There are educational opportunities for everyone at SPREE."

The SPREE show is free for those who pre-register by April 16, 2007, and $35 at the door. "The SPREE show is a great way for current and prospective entrepreneurs to get together and network without having to spend any money to get in," Miller said. "New entrepreneurs who don't even have a start-up budget yet will find this free show very useful."

Details include:

What:
SPREE EAST 2007, the Specialty Retail Entrepreneur
Expo & Conference, produced by Specialty Retail Report magazine
(www.SpecialtyRetail.com)

Where:
Baltimore Convention Center

When:
April 25-27, 2007

Who:
Produced by Specialty Retail Report magazine
(www.SpecialtyRetail.com or www.SpecialtyRetail.com/spree)
Premier Sponsor: Happy Feet/Animal Feet (www.buyhappyfeet.com)

Show Hours:
SPREE East
Wednesday, April 25 1:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday, April 26 1:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday, April 27 11:00 – 4:00 PM

Cost:
Free admission & educational seminars if pre-registered by April 16, 2007.
$35 admission and $35 seminars at the door

For more information or to pre-register, call (800) 936-6297 x 28 or go online to www.SpecialtyRetail.com/spree.

Questions? Email spreeinfo@specialtyretail.com.

About Specialty Retail Report
Specialty Retail Report magazine (www.SpecialtyRetail.com) is a publication of Hanover, Mass.-based Pinnacle Publishing Group, which also publishes Gift Shop magazine (www.giftshopmag.com). A quarterly magazine founded in 1997, Specialty Retail Report provides cart, kiosk and in-line retailers with news and information designed to promote their success and profitability, including new products, retail trends, traditional and unique retail locations, and management strategies. The company's Web site is www.SpecialtyRetail.com. The SPREE Web site is www.SpecialtyRetail.com/spree.

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