Trade Shows, Future of Wholesale & How Handbags Changed Retail | Emily Blumenthal & Dorothy Belshaw

Handbags have evolved from everyday essentials into expressions of personal identity—and that shift is transforming the way retailers buy, merchandise, and discover brands. In this episode, Dorothy Belshaw, CEO and co-owner of NY NOW, shares how the wholesale landscape has changed, why trade shows remain essential in a digital world, and how independent designers can stand out with buyers. From the impact of the 2008 recession to post-pandemic consumer behavior, Dorothy explains why human connection, curated experiences, and genuine product innovation continue to drive retail success.Key Takeaways:• Wholesale is evolving, not disappearing — Trade shows and in-person relationships still drive discovery and lasting retail partnerships.• Handbags have become lifestyle purchases — Today's consumers buy bags as personal expressions, creating new opportunities in the gift and specialty retail markets.• Curation wins attention — Focused concepts and fresh merchandising help independent brands stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.🎧 Listen now for an insider's look at where retail is headed—and how handbag designers can build stronger wholesale businesses.Our Guest:Dorothy Belshaw is the CEO and co-owner of NY NOW, one of the leading wholesale trade shows for gift, lifestyle, and accessories brands. With decades of experience connecting buyers and makers, she has helped shape the evolution of modern retail while championing emerging designers and innovative merchandising concepts.Host Emily Blumenthal is a handbag industry expert, author of Handbag Designer 101, and founder of The Handbag Awards. Known as the “Handbag Fairy Godmother,” Emily also teaches entrepreneurship at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is dedicated to celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of building iconic handbag brands.Find Handbag Designer 101 Merch, HBD101 Masterclass, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to book Emily Blumenthal as a speaker at emilyblumenthal.com.Support the showYoutube: / Handbagdesigner101-ihda  | Instagram:/ Handbagdesigner  TikTok: / Handbagdesigner  | Twitter: / Handbagdesigner   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy