Vendors happy with Anderson expo, 2014 outlook

ANDERSON Vendors at this years Upstates Home and Garden Expo are saying 2014 could be a pretty good year for the construction business.

They say the thousands of people visiting this years expo at the Civic Center of Anderson appear to be serious about fixing up bathrooms, replacing windows and building homes.

Weve had great traffic, said Nonnie Wright, showroom manager for Pro Source Supply of Anderson. This show is great for people showing interest and not just walking through looking for freebies.

Wright said the expo lets consumers see Pro Sources plumbing fixtures up-close.

We get more bang for the buck out of this show than any other kind of advertising we do, she said. People like to see and feel and touch it, to get a sample of what youve got.

Dave Smith, who runs Mobius Construction in Townville, is a first-timer at the expo. He is hoping to come away with at least 10 leads this weekend from people wanting new bathrooms, kitchens or custom-built homes. He has been happy with the foot traffic past his booth, he said. No sales as of Saturday afternoon, but hes had plenty of people come by to discuss cabinets and countertops.

Im very happy with the Home Builders Association (Home Builders Association of Anderson, the group that presents the show). Theyre doing a great job here, Smith said.

Hutch Design is finding a lot of folks interested in custom ornamental metal work, such as handrails and gates.

Its been pretty good yesterday and today, said owner Chad Hutchins. Ive probably got 12 leads so far, plus referrals from other vendors. This could be our best year since the downturn (in 2008).

Those business-to-business referrals are as important as making direct contacts with consumers, if not more so.

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Vendors happy with Anderson expo, 2014 outlook