Aug 7, 2015

Summer Windy City Gift Show attendance jumps 21 percent

The recent Windy City Gift Show saw a 21 percent increase in attendance from the previous year. The show was held July 25-28 in Rosemont, Illinois, just outside Chicago.

It attracted buyers from every state in the region, with notable increases in retail attendance from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. An expanded exhibitor roster, including more than 70 first-time exhibitors, a new website — www.windycitygiftshow.com — and an upbeat atmosphere on the show floor added to the growing momentum the show has been experiencing since its initial launch in January 2014.

“We continue to record significant show-over-show increases in attendance and exhibitor participation — confirming our belief that this show is filling a crucial void in the Midwest marketplace,” said Dirk von Gal, Industry Vice President of Gift, Urban Expositions. “We gather extremely positive feedback from our buyer and exhibitor audiences during each show and are using it to continue fine-tuning our offerings to make sure we’re delivering an event that is completely customized to the specialized needs of the region’s retailers and vendors.”

The show floor featured a number of fair trade, eco-friendly and made in America resources. As part of a continued focus on new resources, the Windy City Gift Show offered retailers the opportunity to visit a special display area and vote on the “Best New Product,” awarding Mishu + The Dead Sea Pavilion this recognition.

Retailers were also invited to vote on the show’s “Best Maker” — choosing from many talented artisans showcasing their handcrafted creations in the Makers’ Market section. Buyers chose Inspired Generations for this award.

“We were very pleased with the selection and will be back in January,” said Bonnie Perdue, Vets Ace Hardware & Vets Too Boutique, Lansing, Michigan.

In addition to the product offerings, the show also featured a number of events and special promotions, including an expanded educational seminar schedule, the popular Saturday Show Social, parking reimbursement for pre-registered buyers, goody bag giveaways, and daily $50 giveaways. Kristy Cousins of Season Gift Shop in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was the $50 Giveaway Grand Prize winner, receiving a complimentary hotel stay at the winter 2016 edition of the Windy City Gift Show.

The next edition of the Windy City Gift Show will be held Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2016, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.