Oct 18, 2011

February 2012 – Denver Merchandise Mart

The Denver Merchandise Mart will hold its Gift, Home, Jewelry and Resort Show February 23—28 for permanent showrooms and February 25—28 for temporary exhibitors. Information about the Denver Show is available at www.denvermart.com.

The semi-annual Denver Gift, Home, Jewelry and Resort Show, with over 450 exhibitors representing more than 4000 lines, is the number one destination in the country for lodge, rustic, western and Native American products. The Denver Show is also a major market for the souvenir and resort industry and offers an unsurpassed variety of products, featuring regional product lines not available at other major markets as well as gourmet, decorative accessories, collectibles, stationery, home furnishings, jewelry, resort apparel, toys and many traditional upscale gifts and handicrafts.

Available for immediate release is a unique assortment of one-of-a-kind Native American and other handcrafted merchandise in all mediums. In addition, the Show features a cash and carry section of exhibitors representing such categories as personal care, jewelry, apparel, furniture and decorative accessories.

The Denver Show offers free educational seminars for buyers, complimentary evening entertainment and buffets, complimentary Buyer’s Lounge with refreshments, free coat check, high-speed wireless Internet, free fax and copier service, over 3,000 free parking spaces, free parking lot shuttles, discounted hotel rates from seven area properties with free shuttles to and from the Show, and the convenience of a market complex located under one roof. Consistently on post show surveys, buyers say it’s the “variety of merchandise, easy-to-shop-facility and friendly staff” that makes the Denver Show such a great experience. Buyers can “Be a Winner In Denver” at the February 2012 Show with the Mart’s daily buyer drawings of $50 and $250 cash for a total of $3,000 in instant cash giveaways to buyers.

The show hours and activities for the upcoming February event are:

THURSDAY, February 23
Show hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., permanent showrooms only
FRIDAY, February 24
Show hours 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., permanent showrooms only

10:30 – 11:00 a.m., Buyer Information Session – Forum Room 2
Evonne Eiseman, Buyer Services Manager, explains the Show directory, building layout, available merchandise lines, and answers questions.

6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Mart Building
Voluntary extended hours in permanent showrooms
Many of the Mart permanent showrooms offer food and beverage and extended hours for your buying or browsing convenience.

SATURDAY, February 25
Show hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Seminar – Forum Room 1
Lynn Switanowski: Smart Retail 2012 : Connecting with Customers and Improving Efficiency in the Palm of your Hand

1 in 2 consumers will have a smartphone by Christmas 2012. These consumers understand the time saving benefits that a smartphone can deliver. But do retailers looking to connect with these wired consumers understand the same thing for their retail business? In this seminar you will learn how smartphone technology can improve the performance of your business in a variety of ways.

Lynn Switanowski is the Founder and President of Creative Business Consulting Group Find Lynn at www.cbc-group.net , www.facebook.com/cbcgroup and http://cbcgretailreport.blogspot.com

10:30 – 11:00 a.m., Buyer Information Session – Forum Room 2
Evonne Eiseman, Buyer Services Manager, explains the Show directory, building layout, available merchandise lines, and answers questions.

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Seminar – Forum Room 1
Lynn Switanowski: The Right Stuff: How Much is Too Much When It Comes to Inventory?

Do you love coming to market and finding fantastic new products? Do you imagine how they will sell as soon as they are unpacked? This seminar helps you translate “the perfect item” on the show floor to a profitable product that flies off your shelf. Learn how to propel your store profits with a strategic merchandise plan from start to finish.

6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Plaza at the Mart
Buyer Appreciation Party
This is a special evening to say thank you to buyers for attending the Show. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and live background music. Come and enjoy a relaxing evening and network with other buyers.

SUNDAY, February 26
Show hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits

8:00 – 8:30 a.m., Forum Room 2
Non-Denominational Church Service

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Seminar – Forum Room 1
Susan Wagner: Beyond Displays: How to Really Engage Your Customers

A well-designed display will certainly attract many shoppers, but you should go beyond that to grab the attention, and the pocketbook, of nearly every customer. Learn ways to use clever signage, social marketing and today’s technology to really engage your customers, connect with your products, and increase your sales.

Susan Wagner is the Editor of Smart Business (formerly Country Business) Find Susan at www.smart-retailer.com and www.country-business.com

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Seminar – Forum Room 1
Susan Wagner: Move That Merchandise!

Stale merchandise can stall profits in no time. Learn how to move more merchandise by using suggestive-selling techniques, incorporating proven display tricks, pricing tactics and more. Discover clever ways to ditch the dogs to free up more floor space.

6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Plaza at the Mart
Sunday Night Extravaganza
A fun evening for buyers and exhibitors. Enjoy a scrumptious complimentary buffet dinner, free beer and soft drinks and cash bar, along with an evening of entertainment you won’t want to miss.

MONDAY, February 27
Show Hours 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits

TUESDAY, February 28
Show Hours 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Permanent showrooms; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. temporary exhibits

Dates for the August 2012 Gift, Home, Jewelry & Resort Show are: August 23-28 for permanent showrooms; and August 25-27 for temporary exhibits. The August Gift Show will once again coincide with the Denver Apparel and Accessory Market held August 24-27.