I think a lot of home-based businesses are like this, though. I have an interior design business that I hardly put any attention into anymore (no one's buying that sort of stuff with the economy in shambles)... designers can be so cutthroat. But the reality is, that we each have a different style, and our customers all have different tastes.. so there really is room for all of us, even though some don't seem to think so.
I've also made jewelry, and sold that with a friend at craft fairs. Jewelers can be nasty-- they don't want the other ones "snooping" around their booth, getting ideas. I suppose any of us can copy something, but a true artist has their own look, and their own way of doing things that will attract different customers.
It's hard to let someone else "snoop" though- It can feel like I'm being investigated, or used for my ideas... but there really is room for everyone. I like to try to engage "snoops" in conversation, trade some ideas back and forth, (ask them what seems to be their best selling item/scent, ask them how their shows are going, ask them how long they've been at it... essentially make them feel like they're very important and all-knowing!!!) and go one doing what I'm doing.