Editorial Blog

Last week when I was walking the CGTA's Toronto Gift Show, I came across a little company in Hall 5 at the International Centre selling something called the Pook Toque™. Created by friends Tony Pook and Kevin McCotter, the toque and the company's other products are made from traditional Canadian hockey socks lined with soft, warm fleece.

I have to admit that I was immediately taken with all things Pook. I loved the energy of the young man in the booth giving the hilarious demonstration of the many ways the Pook toque could be worn. I loved the fact that it was a product line made from an iconic Canadian sock. I thought the toque and all the other products were great. However, it turns out that the big wheels on the CBC's Dragon's Den didn't. Check out this YouTube video of Pook and McCotter's appearance on the show in search of a $250,000 cash injection for the company.

Well, I'm not a financial wizard and I don't know that much about company valuations, but I do know when I like a product. And I like Pook. In addition to the Pook Toque™, the company offers the Pook Loop™ (scarf with built-in pockets), Pook Boots™ (fleece lined socks); Pook Toque II™ (a compact, sleek version of the original); Pookie Toquie™ (a Pook Toque for baby); and Hockey Sockey™, Pook Toques in NHL team colours.

I think that the panel on the Dragon's Den forgot to consider the role that emotions play in purchase decisions. The products are not only funny but fun. They're also evocative of winter and youth. I looked at those hats and was reminded of the smell and sight of those exact socks drying on the heat vent in the hall after a long afternoon of sledding many, many years ago. With that thought, I wanted to buy one. And isn't that what it's all about?

For more information on Pook products visit www.pook.ca or join the Pook Toque Group on Facebook.

Evaluating trade shows is a subjective matter. However, it’s fair to say that Messe Frankfurt, the organizers of the Ambiente and Tendence consumer goods shows, is miles ahead of Canadian show organizers in developing and promoting a new generation of designers—and by extension a next generation of exhibitors.

Every time I visit the Messe Frankfurt fairs, as I did this past weekend, I am impressed by Messe Frankfurt’s dedication to design and to the Talents programme, which provides young designers with an entrée into the industry.

For the benefit of those who haven’t had the opportunity to visit either Ambiente or Tendence, the Talents sections—there is one in the Loft division and another in Carat (jewellery)—are exhibit spaces given to young designers by the show. Nicolette Naumann, Tendence’s vice-president, explains that giving the space to young designers serves two purposes: It offers the selected designers an opportunity to present their products (prototypes, concepts, etc.) to the industry and make useful contacts. At the same time, she says, “the ‘Talents’ provide a breath of fresh air and [show] new approaches to products.”

I have asked why we don’t have similar exhibitions at trade shows in Canada. The answer has centered on the fact that while such exhibits are interesting and add “curb appeal” to a show, they are largely of interest to the press, not to buyers. That’s no doubt true. But, really, what would be so wrong with giving some kids the opportunity to show their products? What would be wrong with maybe attracting more young people to our decidedly middle-aged industry? What would be wrong with Canadian gift shows getting a breath of fresh air?