Aug 14, 2007

Quality Attendance and Exceptional Resources Converge for Healthy Buying at California Gift Show

White Plains, NY – High-caliber buyers presented with a wealth of standout products yielded strong business at the summer edition of the California Gift Show. A significant growth spurt for EX*TRACTS, as well as the largest-ever World Style division, highlighted positive indicators at the Show. The latest offerings of 1,270 companies from 42 countries met the needs of more than 20,000 attendees, July 20 – 23, 2007, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Also energizing the market was an upbeat response to the announcement that the Show will be located entirely within South and Kentia Halls beginning in 2008.

“The strong buying activity across all categories at the summer Show reflects the distinct quality of the California Gift Show – a diverse mix of unique global resources that are brought together to create an incomparable market attracting top quality attendees,” said Aubin Wilson, show director. “In addition, the announcement that related categories within the Show’s 11 divisions will be strategically merged into two halls for 2008 was welcomed by both buyers and exhibitors who appreciate the value of cross-category lifestyle merchandising.”

The sold-out World Style division – featuring a record-breaking 250 exhibitors – continues to attract retailers from throughout the country as the gift industry’s most unique and comprehensive collection of artisans and makers from around the world. A notable 60% growth surge for EX*TRACTS reflects an industry trend in the proliferation of natural, organic and sustainable products within mainstream retail channels.

Most exhibitors reported a successful market:

“We did more business in two days at the California Gift Show this summer than we did in five days at other major gift markets. We saw more quality buyers, got more quality leads and wrote more valuable orders with serious customers than at any other venue. The California Gift Show is the only Show that provides access to the Southern California market – definitely our largest market. The California Gift Show is the only Show for manufacturers that want to tap that huge regional market.”Steve HowesHorizons Home Decor, Inc. (Fincastle VA)

Retailer response to the Show was also overwhelmingly positive:

“The California Gift Show is the only gift show we attend, and we rely on this show to find one-of-a-kind, interesting world art for our eclectic clothing-accessories-folk art-gift-home decor store in Kansas City. We were excited to see so many new vendors in the World Style section this July. After attending the show for 20 years, we still find new vendors to explore in every aisle. The boxes are already flooding in, and we’re sure our customers will be excited about all the new treasures we found. Thank you for an excellent show!” – Jan Buerge, World’s Window, Inc. (Kansas City MO)

“As a busy single mom and retail store owner of 12 years I travel as often as possible to Africa and Asia to source product, however I can only go abroad every two or three years. Thanks to the California Gift Show I am able to keep my shop filled to the brim with a diverse and wonderful selection of treasures from around the world, all year long. I always look forward to the next gift show shopping adventure and the uncommon resources that await me.” – Akilia Chinn, Akilia’s (Hollywood CA)

“The California Gift Show offers an extensive range of products reflecting the current market trends. We feel the show is a great resource to uncover new products as well as work with our current vendors. As a local shop owner the show is a convenient and cost-effective show for us to shop. We will be back in January!” – The Buying Team, Chestnuts & Papaya (Los Angeles CA)

During the market, a new floor plan was introduced for January 2008 that will locate all 11 divisions of the Show within South and Kentia Halls. The announcement was well-received and unilaterally commended by retailers and exhibitors alike.

“I think the new plan to locate the Show in two halls is a great idea. It will be convenient and easier to shop – less distance to cover. Bringing the show together will build a lot of positive energy – there is great enthusiasm in a crowded booth or aisle. Manufacturers like it because they want to rub elbows with their customers. Buyers who previously couldn’t cover every hall can now walk all the aisles and cover the entire show.” – Darrylynn Kaun, Zero Minus Plus (Los Angeles CA)

“Benefits of the new layout will include more efficient flow of traffic, ease of shopping the Show and the adjacencies of related categories for integrated lifestyle merchandising,” said Chris Gowe, vice president, California Gift Show and Canadian Gift Group. “In addition to the improved floor plan, an enhanced slate of programming and events and a newly created Buyer Relations team will be rolled out for January 2008.”

Locating the Show in two halls will juxtapose synergistic categories and promote lifestyle buying and selling for exhibitors straddling divisions.

“We are excited about the Show’s new layout and about the prospect of being located on the cusp of a number of related categories that are relevant to Hay House’s broader lifestyle identity. Positioned in proximity to both EX*TRACTS and Stationery & More, for example, we would likely see retailers focused on spa wellness products as well as books and CDs. It will be easier for many different types of buyers to see us – less work for them to find us. We will also gain additional exposure to new buyers, including those from resort and boutique channels.” – Karen Stone, Hay House Lifestyles (Carlsbad CA)

Bidding was lively at the summer World Style Auction to benefit Aid to Artisans (ATA). This year’s event also included a Silent Auction component. Together the two events yielded $3,000.00.

The semi-annual California Gift Show is managed by George Little Management, LLC (GLM), on behalf of dmg world media. The 146th edition will take place Friday, January 18 – Monday, January 21, 2008, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Show will feature more than 5,000 product lines and attract 22,000 attendees. Some 1,200 exhibitors will participate throughout 11 divisions: At Home; Boutique; EX*TRACTS; Fashion Accessories; Gifts, Etc.; Handmade; Jewelry (Cash & Carry); LA Contemporary; Resort, Souvenir & Licensing; Stationery & More and World Style.

For California Gift Show exhibitor information, contact Angelia Singleton, show manager, at (213) 430-2356, or at angelia_singleton@glmshows.com. For attendee information, please contact GLM Customer Relations at (800) 272-SHOW (7469) or (603) 665-7524. Additional information and registration are available online at californiagiftshow.com.