OA STATEMENT REGARDING CHA SHOW IN ANAHEIM

October Afternoon regretfully announced today that it will not be exhibiting its new 2013 spring lines at the upcoming CHA show in Anaheim, California. It has been widely reported that the United States is in the midst of a severe flu epidemic.  Over the past two weeks, much of October Afternoon's staff has become infected with Type A Influenza, leaving the company short-handed in all its departments. Due to the shortage in manpower caused by the flu outbreak, as well as concerns for the health and well-being of its employees and others attending the CHA show, the difficult decision was made to skip the event. "CHA is a very important event for our company.  However, when so many of our people are sidelined by illness, it greatly curtails our ability to adequately and effectively setup a booth and exhibit at the show.  At the same time, we feel it would be irresponsible for us to risk exposing fellow travelers or CHA attendees to this severe strain of the flu," said October Afternoon CEO Jon Denton. Sneak peeks of October Afternoon's new lines are forthcoming and the company is in the process of developing alternative methods for showing and marketing its new product lines to its customers.

Comments

[Christel Nall]

Get well soon!

[Cara]

I am not surprised to hear that October Afternoon is putting people above sales. Hope everyone is well soon.

[shana]

i hope everyone is feeling better very soon and applause to you for making a tough, but the right, decision

[Mary Sara P.]

I admire your tough business decision and putting people and your staff 's well-being first. Hope everyone recovers soon. Excited for the sneak peaks.

[maria f.]

Wow, what a tough business decision to have to make. I'm impressed that you went with the humane and not financial choice. Gute Besserung!

[Brooke]

I'm not in America so I hadn't heard about this flu outbreak. Wishing you all a speedy recovery.

[Ruza]

The flu is really bad now! I hope everyone gets over this miserable bug, and know that this was a very hard decision to make. I believe you have a big heart to make this decision! You will do an amazing job showcasing your new products, and I can't wait to see them in the stores!

[Martha Lowry]

I am sure that this was a hard decision to make, but a very wise one indeed. This influenza is just so awful. I am sure that OA will definitely be missed at CHA but I am sure your fans will be looking forward to your new lines. I know I am one person who will! I am sending healing thoughts to everyone! Get well soon, October Afternoon.

[Ruth G]

I respect you so much for this decision! You have so much inspiration and so many fabulous products to share. Thanks for not sharing the flu and for taking care of your employees! I will think and speak of October Afternoon with more excitement knowing that you made this tough decision!

[Tina M.]

..I'm sorry to hear that, but I fully understand your decision. Sending your all a "Get Well"-wish, hoping you will be back on track soon.
/Tina M.

[Summer Braxton]

Praying quick healing for everyone!!!

[Laurie]

Oh my gosh! I hope everyone feels better soon!!

[Angel]

Tough but great decision!! My entire family was hit with the type A flu! We were down for 2wks!! Hope everyone gets feeling better quickly!!

[Elizabeth Stites]

I am so sorry to hear about the illness of the OA staff members. I wish you all a speedy recovery and truly respect your decision to stay home. You are setting a wonderful example. I am a loyal fan of OA and I look forward to seeing your spring lines when everybody has recovered. I wish you the best!

[Kathy W]

Hope you're all feeling better soon. Can't wait to see the new collections.

[laurie lariviere]

first of all, I do hope everyone gets better soon!! I had this flu 2 weeks ago and I am still tired and feeling crummy! second, I am so impressed with this company, people before business...that's awesome that your employees health and the health of others comes first, love OA :)

[BEA]

I greatly admire your decision! It is best for the health of your staff and others. Can't wait to see your new lines revealed. Do it soon, please ;) P.S. whatever happened to the Sprinklers for Make It Merry & Farm Girl?

[Mendi Yoshikawa]

This must have been a hard decision after preparing for it, but I hope everyone is able to get better soon!

[donna]

I applaud your decision as this is a very bad strain of flu and looks as though the immunization given does not cover this strain. Travel while infected can infect so many more. Your products are loved and we want all of it, missing this show will be sad for all of you but you will be rewarded for doing the right thing for all others. I can assure you that I will be nagging Scrapbook Territory in Berkeley CA to order every bit!!!
Donna White RN
Scrapper

[Caryn S. (Scrapnsing)]

It's a shame you won't be able to go but I certainly hope everyone recovers! I know we are having an incredible epidemic around the country and the sooner this passes the better for everyone!

[April]

I'm looking forward to seeing what you can share when you're able. As a friend to several at the show, as well as a mom, I'm glad you're making the responsible choice, even though it may be hard on the bottom line and looking out for everyone.

[Wendy Goundrey]

It's nice to see a company who really cares about others and not just the bottom line. Thanks!

[Julie {CalleLillyCafe}]

oh no! sending well wishes to all your way!

[Jasmine S.]

I'm sorry to hear the staff is sick. I wish you all a speedy recovery.

[Gina Ames]

I pray this wise decision only impacts your business in a positive way. It certainly garners respect to put health above profit! Kudos!