Apr 7, 2008

Boston Gift Show Announces 2008 Pride of New England Award Winners

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Gift Show has announced four winners for the 3rd annual Pride of New England Awards, a coveted honor that recognizes New England retailers for outstanding customer service, creative merchandising, community involvement and demonstration of New England pride. The four winners were announced during a reception on Saturday, April 5, at the Boston Gift Show, which runs April 5-8, 2008, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

The 2008 winners are:

• Chatham T Company, Inc. (Chatham, MA)
• Cottage Designs (Ocean Park, ME)
• Domaine Gallery (Portland, ME)
• Massachusetts Bay Trading Company (Weston, MA)

“This year’s Pride of New England Award winners are leaders in both the industry and their communities,” said Tony Orlando, show manager. “Beyond their remarkable customer service practices, effective merchandising techniques and overwhelming dedication to the community, these retailers have taken New England pride to a level that merits this distinguished honor.”

Chatham T Company opened its doors in May 1979, as a small t-shirt shop selling mostly blank goods with transfer art. Nearly 30 years later, the store has evolved into an upscale shopping experience in two adjacent buildings. The store supports a myriad of events and non-profit organizations. Since 1992, the entire children’s store space has been donated to serve as First Night Chatham’s headquarters, a premiere event celebrating the arts. The space is turned over to a volunteer group for six weeks, culminating in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration attracting more than 7,000 people. Proceeds from the evening are used to fund local charities and art programs.

Cottage Designs opened in the early 1900’s, as the Ocean Park Gift Shop, and in 2001, was purchased by Nancy and Cliff Kenney. The 1,200 square foot store has been transformed into a three-season shop, which is open from April through December, with extended hours during the peak tourist season. Cottage Designs is known throughout the community for its “back to the basics” customer service approach, consistently evolving displays and sense of community spirit.

Domaine Gallery offers its customer an opportunity to “take home a memory of Maine” by featuring a unique mix of fine art photography, unique gifts and jewelry, all originating from Maine. Named by Portland’s Best Guide as the friendliest gallery in the city, this store is warm, inviting and offers free delivery to customers. The home-like atmosphere, featuring popular home decor colors, furniture and rugs, allows customers to visualize their potential purchase in their own home. The gallery was the driving force behind the launch of Portland’s Gallery Association, which has quickly become 16 members strong.

Massachusetts Bay Trading Company has demonstrated its New England pride from the very beginning – by launching on Patriot’s Day in 2002. Owners Bob and Beth Nilsson wanted to feature an online store that could not only feature Massachusetts and New England products, but also serve as a source for local history, culture, artistry, crafts and manufacturing. The online store allows customers to shop by region – including Nantucket, Cape Cod, Cape Ann, Boston, The Berkshires and New Hampshire – or they can browse by artist or craftsman.

The 160th semi-annual Boston Gift Show, New England’s premier event for gifts and decorative accessories, runs April 5-8, 2008, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The Show attracts some 5,000 retailers, and presents nearly 450 exhibitors throughout four divisions: Gifts, Etc., Handmade, Made in New England and Souvenir Source.

The Boston Gift Show is owned and managed by GLM, a dmg world media business. For exhibitor information, contact Scott Kramer, exhibit sales manager, at GLM, Ten Bank Street, White Plains, NY 10606. Telephone: (914) 421-3366. Email: scott_kramer@glmshows.com. For attendee information, contact GLM’s Customer Relations Department, by telephone, at (800) 272-SHOW or (603) 665-7524. Additional information and registration is available online at bostongiftshow.com.