Aug 10, 2015

San Francisco International Gift Fair, now the SF Market, draws 113 new companies in July

In addition to a record number of first-time exhibitors and the introduction of special “Pairings” and “Outdoor Living” product spotlights, the July 25-28, 2015 edition of the San Francisco International Gift Fair at Moscone Center welcomed a new show name and a brand new website. Renamed “SF Market” to better communicate the scope and depth of its product categories that cater to the Northern California lifestyle and passion for living well, the rebranded show’s new website — www.sf-market.com — makes it even easier for industry members to find show information, news and product details.

New was the name of the game at the summer edition, with more than 113 new companies joining the show roster, which included thousands of lines conveniently organized into 11 product sectors on the show floor, including: Design, Gift, Home & Garden, Makers’ Market, Museum, Personal Style, Tabletop, Gourmet & Housewares, Treasures to Go, Village Arts and Vintage Collection. In addition, the show’s new Pairings spotlight put the focus on gourmet specialties and accessories, wine resources and regional food items for wineries, gift and gourmet shops looking to add a local level of sophistication to their stores. And, a special Outdoor Living focus complemented the show’s existing Home & Garden offerings with a selection of accent and casual furniture, outdoor entertaining and tabletop, decorative accessories, planters and seasonal products.

Attending retailers voted on a number of exhibitor product awards during the show. Participating vendors were nominated from several product display areas located on the show floor and winners included: Best New Product: Moshiki, St. Paul, Minnesota; Best Maker: Lau Lau Woodworks, Honolulu; and Best Pairings Product: Mercantile 12, Seattle.

The Urban Expositions team presented Roost with the new Best Booth award — recognizing the company’s excellence in merchandising and space design.

In addition to the product selection, the July show offered a number of buyer services and educational offerings. Among them, parking and transportation rebates for attending retailers, educational seminars, and daily $50 Cash Giveaways, where buyers had the chance to enter drawings to win $50 cash. Diane Naggiar, Naggiar Vineyards, Grass Valley, California, won the Daily Giveaway Grand Prize — a two-night hotel stay during the January 2016 edition.

SF Market will kick off 2016 with a new Friday to Monday date pattern — Jan. 8-11, 2016, at the Moscone Center. For exhibitor information, contact Kelly McLoughlin at 678-370-0325 or kmcloughlin@urban-expo.com. For information on attending, contact Jhana Jordan at 678-370-0338 or jjordan@urban-expo.com or visit www.sf-market.com.