The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Has anyone been to the phoenix meeting this year, if so what was the trade show like?

I decided to give the phoenix a miss this year but have noticed that the trade show has gone downhill in the last few years. Yes I know it's always been extremely poor and doesn't in any way bear comparison to the pistol AD meeting trade shows of years ago but I just wondered what this year's trade show was like.

I went on Friday.

The trade fair was a bit smaller than in previous years, just confined to the main hall, rather than overspilling out down the corridor and into the canteen & balcony. However the usual suspects were there - Clarke, Wentworth, AmmoZone, ITL, Westlake etc. There were also some small marquees outside, but no big marquee on the frontage of the pavilion. I would say it was 20% smaller than last year.

On the other hand it's free!
Triffid

It's free is nothing to celebrate, I don't know of many shops that you have to pay an entrance fee to enter.

Calling it a trade show has for many years been stretching it a bit. I would probably describe it more as being like a bazaar or jumble sale in recent years with one or two exceptions.

I used to enjoy having a stand at the Phoenix, it was always a hectic couple of days and we met some brilliant people. I do miss it in some ways.

Chapuis wrote: Calling it a trade show has for many years been stretching it a bit. I would probably describe it more as being like a bazaar or jumble sale in recent years with one or two exceptions.

I miss the "jumble sale" aspect of the old AD meeting, rummaging through bins of magazines, grips or reloading dies! The recent years of fat old men trying to flog Martini Henrys dug up in Pakistan for a grand a pop is what got right on my mammaries!

Hopefully, the NRA getting the Pavillion back will improve the overall event. A mate reckoned the shooting attendance is still strong.

I was yesterday,managed to get my hands on some Barnaul ammo.Yes,it is getting smaller and I witnessed conversation between Mt.Mercier and Alan Westlake&co-why it is going downhill and it is not good....Also,I do not understand why it is no cash machine on site....As for shooting-Melville was full and loud,Century bit less,weather was v-good but strong wind from E probably messed up many results this time.I was just wondering around only-yes,bigger is better in this case....

Heading down for a wander with tobi now

Alan

For small specialist dealers like myself the climbing costs were becoming prohibitive, each year it felt more that you were working for the NRA/Pavilion than for your self.

With preparing, packing, travelling, setting up, doing the 2 1/2 days, dismantling, repacking, travelling, unpacking and restocking it was six full on days and you only made money if you didn't count your time.

Eventually it was just no longer worth the effort.

I was speaking to a small trader a couple of weeks ago and there had been a lot of confusion as to whether the trade fair was going ahead this year in the Pavilion. So definitely smaller than last year (only other time I've been along). This year I was competing so didn't have much time to look around....more a quick stroll round rather than really looking. Great weather though :)


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Sim G wrote:

Chapuis wrote: Calling it a trade show has for many years been stretching it a bit. I would probably describe it more as being like a bazaar or jumble sale in recent years with one or two exceptions.

I miss the "jumble sale" aspect of the old AD meeting, rummaging through bins of magazines, grips or reloading dies! The recent years of fat old men trying to flog Martini Henrys dug up in Pakistan for a grand a pop is what got right on my mammaries!

Hopefully, the NRA getting the Pavillion back will improve the overall event. A mate reckoned the shooting attendance is still strong.

I'm fully in agreement with you there Sim G.

I personally think the NRA should take the very bold radical step of offering free attendance for traders in an attempt to increase footfall and make the phoenix what it once was when it was the pistol AD meeting.
Obviously the traders would need to be vetted and there would have to be some charge if additional tentage would need to be provided after the available space was taken.