Apr 7, 2017
Seattle Gift Show marks 80th year with new resources, new educational offerings

Building on an 80-year tradition supporting the product and business growth needs of its loyal Pacific Northwest retail audience, the Seattle Gift Show returns to the Washington State Convention Center, Aug. 18 – 21, 2017, with new resources and programs. From a growing number of new, first-time exhibitors to a special presentation from the Independent We Stand organization to the popular Urban Craft Uprising Pavilion, the region’s attending independent retailers will find even more new ways to set their store apart from those big-box stores.

Further strengthening the product offerings, the Seattle Gift Show temporary exhibits come together with the permanent showrooms at the Seattle Mart to co-host Seattle Market Week.

“For 80 years, the Seattle Gift Show has been the go-to resource for Pacific Northwest independent retailers seeking the latest in product trends that reflect the diverse tastes and eclectic styles of their customers,” said Lisa Glosson, vice president, souvenir/gift division, Urban Expositions. “For summer, our focus has been on finding even more of those undiscovered artisans, emerging lines and new categories to add to our show floor – offering even more profit potential for our buyer base.”

Summer show highlights include:

Urban Craft Uprising Pavilion returns to Makers’ Market section Retailers will find even more handcrafted, artisan designs with the return of the Urban Craft Uprising Pavilion. Showcasing the work of 30+ artisans from Seattle’s largest indie craft show, the pavilion returns this summer to join the show’s Makers Market sector offering a wide range of handcrafted goods for the retailers to explore.

Independent We Stand presentation: Why buy into buying local, August 19, 1:30 p.m. The Seattle Gift Show is partnering with the Independent We Stand organization to put the special spotlight on how the ‘buy local’ movement can drive sales and customer loyalty for independent retailers. Led by Independent We Stand Co-Founder Bill Brunelle, this informative session will provide real-life tips on how to build your local brand, the power of leveraging your locally-owned status and how you can use it to inspire your prospective customers to buy local.

More new regional resources, best-selling brands, first-time exhibitors The summer edition will welcome even more first-time exhibitors, new designs, artistic styles and regional best-sellers that retailers won’t find at other markets. The show features product in every sector, including general giftware, collectibles, decorative accessories, table top, home décor, souvenir and resort apparel, jewelry and much more- all in one easy-to-shop layout, all on one floor. Categories Include: Gift & Home, Makers’ Market, Personal Style, Treasures To Go (Cash & Carry) and Gourmet. Retailers can also look for an expanded selection of American-made products, eco-friendly items and fair trade resources this summer.

Co-hosting Seattle Market Week with Seattle Mart
The Seattle Gift Show will come together with the permanent showrooms of the Seattle Mart to present Seattle Market Week. The Seattle Mart – 200 SW Michigan Street – will host its summer market from Aug. 16 – 21, 2017. The building houses the Northwest’s premier permanent showrooms representing a wide range of product lines from locally manufactured to national brands. These offerings, along with the many lines and new resources at the Seattle Gift Show, give the region’s retailers a comprehensive, convenient and cost-effective shopping experience. What’s more, one badge gives buyers access to both venues and complimentary shuttle service will also be provided.

ExpressPass registration including special parking rebate Buyers are encouraged to take advantage of the show’s easy, online ExpressPass registration. Simply log on, complete the application and receive an ExpressPass via email to bring to the show, scan with onsite readers and quickly print out the admission badge. As an added bonus, buyers who pre-register and bring their ExpressPass along with their parking receipt to the parking rebate desk inside the exhibit hall at the Washington State Convention Center can receive a parking rebate up to $6.

SHOW FACTS:

Friday, August 18 – Monday, August 21, 2017
Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle, WA 98101
August 18-20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | August 21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.