Aug 12, 2009
The Gourmet Housewares Show® Takes San Francisco By Storm!

White Plains, NY — The August 8 -10 Gourmet Housewares Show® held at the Moscone Center, took the Bay area by storm and brought the gourmet industry’s finest to the city of San Francisco featuring a comprehensive mix of innovative new products, leading resources, and industry trends. With both new and returning exhibitors from the gourmet and upscale housewares industry, nearly 5,000 attendees ranging from big box to independent retail buyers, met with industry leaders and were exposed to resources to help grow their retail businesses.

This year the Gourmet Housewares Show was co-located for the first time with the San Francisco International Gift Fair® which proved successful with significant crossover, bringing many new retailers and opportunities to the Gourmet Housewares Show exhibitor. The Show welcomed buyers from 47 states and 18 countries spanning all retail classes of trade. A sampling includes: Amazon, Best Buys Direct Inc, Bloomingdales, Chef Central, Chef’s Warehouse, Cooking.com, Cooking Enthusiast, Costco, Draeger’s Supermarkets, Fantasia Coffee & Tea, Fillmore Hardware, Frontgate, Gourmet Pantry, Grand Cru Wine & Gifts, La Cucina, Kitchen Concepts, Macy’s Home Store, Marmaxx, Overstock.com, QVC, San Diego Museum of Art, ShopNBC, Starbucks Coffee, Target Corporation, William Glen, Williams-Sonoma, Zappos.com and many more.

The first day of the Show opened with excitement. The floor quickly became busy as over 2,100 attendees walked the floor. Jeff Bollengier from Calibowl was pleased with the direction day one was taking. “We’re seeing lots of big league buyers with much interest. We just closed deals with Safeway and Raley’s this morning. The first day in the first 3 hours was the best by far of any show we’ve participated in.”

This year’s move back to San Francisco allowed exhibitors a new platform, timeframe and geographic location for introducing innovative products to the market place. The number of quality products was among the noted highlights for this year’s show by exhibitors, retail buyers and press attendees. The Show also saw nearly 50 first time exhibitors.

Feedback from the exhibitors was positive, positioning the Show for a strong return to San Francisco in 2010.

“It was a strong show and did not disappoint! The customers were serious about their business and looking forward to a healthy fall season. The best part was having more quality time with retailers. We even saw some independents who had not been to the show in 6 years!” Lisa Biddle of Le Creuset.

Gary Berkus , VP of Sales for Lodge Manufacturing, adds, “We were pleasantly surprised with the Show. We have seen more folks from a broader variety of customers than expected. It is a significant show for us with a purpose.”

“This year’s Gourmet Show in San Francisco significantly exceeded our expectations. Those suppliers that did not attend missed a lot!” Sam Weiner, President – EdgeCraft Corp.

Exhibitors were not the only ones pleased with the 2009 Gourmet Housewares Show. Retailers were excited about the quantity and quality of new products as well as the ability to spend serious time with vendors. Retailer K.C. Lapiana of In The Kitchen says, “I have been coming to this show for several years. It is a key show for independent retailers to build relationships and community.”

“The Gourmet Housewares Show continues to be an important venue for the retail community. It is truly an opportunity to spend time with vendors and meet unique exhibitors. This show is like no other in the industry,” Adds Mary Moore, Owner of The Cooks Warehouse.

Other show highlights included collaborations with The Golden Gate Restaurant Association for their SF Chefs. Food. Wine. event, as well as the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau Show Your Badge program.

“We received positive response to this year’s show from both retailers and manufacturers -this market continues to provide a critical and unparalleled business platform for suppliers of high-end specialty merchandise and independent retailers in the gourmet sector like no other!” Vice President & Show Manager, Penny Sikalis




Social Connections


📣 Meet our speakers! 📣The Garden Center Show, presented by Lawn & Garden Retailer, is excited to announce our Keynote Speakers! 📣 Michelle Sherrier: Owner of MC Design Academy and host of The Retail Whore Podcast📣 Tim Quebedeaux: Owner of RetailKPI and Service Provider for The Garden Center GroupBe sure to check them out, along with our full, FREE conference schedule for The Garden Center Show, Aug. 6-7 in Rosemont, IL.🔗 Register for FREE: LGRMag.com/GCSRegister🌐 Learn more: www.gardencentershow.com🚌 Bus tour info: lgrmag.com/LGRBusTour#GCS24 #GardenCenterShow #GardenEvents #InPersonEvent #Networking #RetailStrategies #SpecialtyRetailers #GardenCenter #Conference #speaker #keynotespeaker ... See MoreSee Less
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