Apr 17, 2017

New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show releases 2017 retailer report

The New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show (NEM) released their first annual Spring Retailer Report. Results were polled from the retail audience attending the Spring New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show, Portland, Maine.

“This annual wholesale giftware and specialty food show has always been a bellwether for retailer confidence. Over the years of producing the show, I could predict the retailer’s business confidence as soon as they entered the show based on their overall energy and interest. It was an interesting predictor and I would enjoy sharing it within our community” said Stefa Normantas, New England Made Giftware and Specialty Food Show producer. “This year, I decided to compile the results in our post show survey and distribute it to the larger community. With more than 75 percent expecting an increase in sales, it looks like the upcoming summer tourist season will be a strong one.”

Survey Results (188 retail respondents)

Do you expect your sales to increase or decrease this summer tourist season?

“It been a terrible winter for sales, but I’m very optimistic about the rest of the year. I can’t wait for the weather to give us a break!” – Daine Gronbeck, Brass Lyon, Newburyport, MA

“I’m already fully booked and was last year as well,” — Susan Taylor, Maine

“I am trying to be hopeful. Frankly, retail in my area has been off since the last election.” — Jodi Clayton, Maine

The New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Show, Spring, now in its 33rd year, is the country’s only wholesale trade show featuring products from New England. New England Made shows (Spring and Autumn) attract approximately 3,000 retail buyers from across the country and showcase over 400 companies. The shows present a juried selection of giftware, home furnishings, and specialty food from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The New England Made Giftware & Specialty Food Shows are owned and managed by Giraffe Events, LLC.