Nov 4, 2008

Industry trends eyed at Portland winter show

(Portland, Oregon) — Think of it as the Inauguration of the Gift Show Season – naturally! From January 10–13, the Oregon Convention Center is the country’s independent retail capital as nearly 300 exhibitors and thousands of buyers elect to be at the Portland Gift & Accessories Show.

As the first industry showcase of the year, the Portland Show has come to be a must-attend expo for trend spotting and access to many exhibitors unique to this most-important entry point for the Great Northwest market. The educational seminars presented by industry experts include Retail is Change by Lynn Switanowski-Barrett; Going Green Gradually and Building Employee Loyalty and Satisfaction by Linda Cahan; and Image Based Merchandising and The Details of Retail offered by Pam Pesetti. And – naturally – it wouldn’t be the Portland Gift & Accessories Show without the year’s most eagerly-anticipated party at the American Cowgirls Bar & Grill across the street from the Convention Center.

“The Portland Gift & Accessories Show is the definitive boutique buying experience for the independent retailer,” says Portland Show Manager Jenay Root. “When you’re in Portland you think of merchandise which is artisan-based, eco-friendly and sustainably manufactured. That’s why this year’s theme is ‘Naturally Portland.’ What you’ll find here is all naturally unique, naturally inspired and naturally one-of-a-kind.”

As is always the case, this year’s Portland Gift & Accessories Show will feature many emerging manufacturers and artisans unique to the venue. The six distinctive product divisions are Artisans Avenue, Fashion Accessories, FoodFocus, Gift & Collectibles, Jewelry Vault and Cash & Carry and The Vintage Collection.

“The Portland Gift & Accessories Show is the nation’s most affordable, easy to shop market but one still large enough to meet everyone’s buying needs,” stated Root.

The semi-annual Portland Gift & Accessories Show is managed by GLM, a dmg world media business and will take place January 10–13, 2009 at Portland’s Oregon Convention Center. Exhibitors seeking information should contact show manager Jenay Root at (213) 430-2311 orjroot@glmshows.com. Attendee information may be obtained by contacting GLM Customer Relations at (800) 272-SHOW (7469) or (603) 665-7524. Visit www.portlandgift.com for more detailed information about the show.