David,
To any unknown quantity such as this, and it is far from foolproof but is one of the only ways of narrowing the odds, try and find this show on the internet. It would appear that the assumption is that people will go because they are en route to the Miranda appearance, that appears to be it, and the assumption that all will turn up in time to go shopping. How many times have I been to a concert at Wembley and said, Oh I think I'll go along two hours early just in case there is a craft fair in the forum?
I went to the Dome as it was then more times during the construction than I did the following year and havent been since so dont know what to expect but it is fairly isolated and you will need to make a positive decision to make a day of it, there's no passing trade as such. The show is on the 11, 12 and 13th April. 11th April is the start of school holidays (??) and is a working day. Miranda appears at the O2 at 1900 on Friday, where are the numbers coming from outside that? Saturday shows are at 1330 and 1900, so there might be some passing trade after the first show, that is stragglers from the show, but who goes to the show? Are they our target audience? Lets be honest Mr and Mrs Morning Star dont buy our pens, neither does Mr and Mrs Sun Reader. The Times and Telegraph (the latter notably) have panned her shows success as incomprehensible. My target market is Mr and Mrs Joe Average, 35+ preferably with kids who go shopping together.
Cant see them at the O2.
Its a single marketing event with a narrow sector of society, and that is inherently dangerous, the risk is huge. I cant even find out what time the show opens and closes, but I cant see any of the evening show goers suddenly deciding to take in 300 stands (which will probably be closed anyway). And dont forget there is another show on, the Handmade Nursery show. the 20,000 I am sceptical about, I think this is pie in the sky accounting. The O2 holds 20,000, therefore as its open for three days it'll get 60,000 through the doors, or will it be three shows at 20,000. Sunday, I think I'll pop out to the O2 as there is nothing else to do just in case there happens to be a craft market on that doesnt appear to be marketed?
Hmmmm. Need a lathe bed extension, need a longer barge pole me thinks.
But having panned the show it'll probably be great and everyone will make a fortune. I'll still be broke though cos I wont be there!
Sorry David, I dont want to appear negative and thanks for mentioning it but from a preliminary look it doesnt stack up to me.
