Jun 29, 2007

San Francisco Giftcenter & Jewelrymart goes green for July Market

With low-impact living and conscious consumerism in mind, the San Francisco Giftcenter & Jewelrymart is showcasing new design directions in sustainable gifts and home furnishings for the first time, in select showrooms at both dates the PreFair and the San Francisco International Gift Fair, July 25 – August 1, 2007.

The earlier timeframe of this summer show – which will present targeted neighborhoods, an interactive showfloor, and a new spotlight on green buyers – gives savvy retailers a jumpstart on all-important fourth-quarter buying, and responds directly to increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly goods.

Environmentalism is a major concern in America. The growing market for eco-friendly products is motivating every industry to do its part to reduce resource-consumption and to appeal to the public’s developing conservation sensibilities.

The gift and home furnishings industries have been lagging others in promoting sustainable design and business practices, but they are quickly catching up. More manufacturers are getting in tune with consumer demand for renewable, biodegradable resources, and capitalizing on the trend toward “going green.”

As a result, the market for eco-friendly gifts and home furnishings is changing fast, and demonstrating huge potential. Environmentally savvy companies are reducing waste, saving energy, and making products safer for consumers through the use of environmentally-friendly and responsibly sourced raw materials. And a manufacturer’s commitment to sustainability is a consideration that is here to stay, with everything from eco-friendly bags to shipping solutions that lessen the industry’s environmental impact gaining attention.

Fortunately, this doesn’t have to mean inferior, less stylish, or more expensive products. Gift and home furnishings manufacturers that choose to use sustainable materials are not only pioneers, but design innovators, and the emergence of sustainable materials has inspired a new community of designers.

“Protecting the environment is an important issue for the world,” says Michael I. Butler, president of the Giftcenter & Jewelrymart. “And where better than San Francisco – a city that has been at the forefront of the global movement to make America greener – to encourage retail buyers and design professionals to expand awareness of environmental issues.”

By hosting this special event, the San Francisco Giftcenter & Jewelrymart hopes to raise the profile of companies leading the way in sustainability, helping the gift and home furnishings industry contribute to a greener future. For more information, please visit: gcjm.com