Oct 21, 2013

San Francisco International Gift Fair Returns February 15-18, 2014 With Expanded Selection of Design-Led, Upscale Contemporary Products

The San Francisco International Gift Fair (SFIGF) returns to Moscone Center from February 15-18, 2014 with even more top-selling lines and new product resources, a top-notch educational program and a full range of buyer services for retailers to explore. Drawn by the show’s growing reputation as a key resource for upscale designs and unique finds, top western region and national retail buyers can expect to see countless new designs and future best-sellers to freshen their product mix.

“The San Francisco International Gift Fair continues to attract a strong presence of top western region and national retailers who come here to find the ‘new’ and ‘different’, which in turn, is drawing even more top name manufacturers and budding designers to our growing exhibitor base,” said Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions.“ With our continued focus on expanding our selection of design-led and upscale contemporary merchandise, SFIGF is the optimum Western region trade show destination for retailers who are looking to increase their sales and gain that competitive edge.”

The February 2014 edition will feature thousands of lines conveniently organized into 11 product sectors on the show floor, including: Gifts & Collectibles, American-Made Handcrafted, Design, Home & Garden, Museum, Personal Style, Tabletop, Gourmet & Housewares, Treasures to Go, Village Arts, Vintage Collection and World Style Handcrafted.

Show Highlights include:

REDESIGNED SHOW FLOOR:

New to the February 2014 edition, the SFIGF will feature a redesigned floor layout. The Home & Garden and Design sections are now positioned next to each other in the center of the hall to offer a seamless buying experience of resources for indoors and out. What’s more, the new positioning is designed to spotlight the show’s growing selection of upscale home accents and designs and contemporary product offerings. These two sections will be flanked on either side by the show’s other eight product categories. In addition, SFIGF’s immediate delivery area, Treasures to Go will move from the previous upstairs Esplanade Ballroom location to the Gateway Ballroom, located directly across the lobby from the South Hall main entrance.

HOTEL RATES FOR BUYERS STARTING AT $99*

Urban Expositions will be buying down the rates on the show’s already discounted hotels to offer buyers’ significant savings at hotels conveniently located near Moscone Center. Retailers can take advantage of these low rates by contacting Urban Expositions Official Housing Company, Connections at 855.246.URBAN (8722) or by visiting the travel section of the show site, www.sfigf.com.

WINE COUNTRY – With San Francisco’s close proximity to the world famous California Wine Country, the winter edition will attract the attention of wineries throughout the state of California and western region with its spotlight on wine accessories and other gift items designed for the Tasting Room.

GREEN BY DESIGN – SFIGF continues to take the lead in offering a wide range of green/eco- friendly product resources. Pick up the official show directory for a complete list of exhibiting companies showcasing products or items that are made from green, sustainable, biodegradable, organic, recycled and reclaimed items.

SEE EVEN MORE TABLETOP, GOURMET & HOUSEWARES RESOURCES THIS WINTER

As famous for its restaurants and food trends as it is for its Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars, San Francisco is the perfect trade show city to focus on this exciting sector. From kitchen gadgets and small electrics to specialty food, tabletop and dinnerware, buyers will benefit from an expanded presence of cutting edge designs and innovations from many of the industry’s top lines.

ONSITE BUYER SERVICES

SFIGF offers a full roster of buyer services and amenities including:

BUYER EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS:

The winter edition will feature a top-notch educational program where retailers can learn low budget, high impact ideas to boost their profits. All registered buyers are invited to attend these free sessions. Programs include:

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Pinterest: Why You Need It & How to Use It for Your Retail Business

11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Presented by Lynn Switanowski, president, Creative Business Consulting Group

Pinterest users create more direct sales (with an average sale of $140) from the site than any other social media site today. This creates a powerful tool and selling opportunity for retailers of all sizes to connect with customers. In this session, you’ll learn how to use Pinterest to generate buzz and sales for your business; how to use the site as a source of traffic to your business website and what makes up an interesting, well-liked Pinterest business page and how to generate business revenue by creating pins that attract attention and garner repins.

It’s Not Fine Wine. Inventory DOES NOT Get Better with Age

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Presented by Lynn Switanowski, president, Creative Business Consulting Group

Most retailers wait too long to move slow selling inventory. Tying up precious cash and perhaps missing an opportunity to drive more sales with better selling products. This seminar approaches inventory management from a consumer based perspective. By understanding what your customers are “saying” or not saying based on their reactions to the merchandise your store carries, you can make improved and objective decisions about how to manage your inventory more effectively.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Trade Secrets! – What Are Today’s Successful Retailers doing to Survive, and How Can I Apply That to My Business?

11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Presented by Dan Jablons, President, Retail Smart Guys

Not every retailer is suffering in this economy. There are many that are actually very profitable and have great cash flow. In this economy, now is the time to get a competitive edge and increase market share. Discover the industry secrets that these retailers know, and learn how to implement these changes into your business to find better cash flow, better profitability, and more fun at your stores!

Retail Is Detail: Three Tweaks To Your Business That Produce Big Cash Flow!

2:00pm – 3:00 pm Presented by Dan Jablons, President, Retail Smart Guys

Many retailers think that they only way they’ll improve their business is by finding the next incredible vendor, or from a great new marketing idea, or something else. Increasing your profitability and cash flow comes from making a couple of small changes internally to your business. Dan will show you how to make those changes, and show you real life examples of improvements that other retailers have achieved so you can apply this to your store right away!

Transportation Rebate Program – Buyers are encouraged to stop by the show’s Transportation Rebate Desk along with their buyer badge and parking /transportation receipt to receive a $10 transportation credit.

Terrific Tuesday – Buyers can take advantage of show specials being offered by participating exhibitors on Tuesday, February 18. Show specials being offered may include free freight and special pricing available on select orders. A complete list of participating exhibitors will be available at the show registration desk.



EXHIBITOR/ATTENDEE INFORMATION

For more information on exhibiting, contact Leanna John at 678.370.0330 or ljohn@urban-expo.com. For information on attending, contact Briana Mackey at 678.831.4573 or bmackey@urban-expo.com or Jhana Jordan at 678.370.0338 or jjordan@urban-expo.com.

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR FAST FACTS

WHEN: Saturday, February 15 – Tuesday, February 18, 2014

WHERE: Moscone Center, South Hall – 747 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

HOURS: 9 am – 6 pm, Saturday – Monday; 9 am – 3 pm, Tuesday

MORE INFO: www.sfigf.com | 678.285.3976 (EXPO) or 800.318.2238

ABOUT URBAN EXPOSITIONS

Urban Expositions is the largest gift, airport retail and souvenir trade show organizer in the U.S., hosting a total of 32 shows each year. In January of 1996, Urban Expositions launched the semi-annual Philadelphia Gift Show, which has become one of the largest and most successful regional gift events in the nation. Since then, the company has continued to grow through acquisitions and new show development. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Urban Expositions offers a complete roster of trade show management services, including exhibit sales and marketing, operations, exhibitor/ attendee promotions and services, media relations, seminar and event coordination, database development and management. For more information, visit www.urban-expo.com or call 800.318.2238