Feb 15, 2008

California Gift Show Is Hot Venue For Trends And Fashion

White Plains, NY – Buyers at the winter 2008 New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) were treated to a greatly enhanced and refreshed market, resulting from the addition of new divisions and showcase areas and the refinement of existing categories. Some 2,836 exhibitors participated in nine strategically categorized divisions, with more than 1,000 exhibitors repositioned into new, more product-appropriate locations for the winter market, February 1-6, 2008, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Metropolitan Pavilion and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94.

“The long-term changes and improvements we introduced this winter were well-received by attendees and exhibitors alike, and helped position the show as a ‘must-attend’ market for retailers – whether shopping vertically by product category or horizontally for related merchandise,” stated Dorothy Belshaw, Show Director and GLM senior vice president. “Despite a one-time change to a Friday/Saturday opening, our national and international attendance also was strong, with visitors from all 50 states and more than 75 countries worldwide.”

Notable among the new additions to NYIGF this winter was the well-received launch of the new STUDIOtm lifestyle division combining sophistication and functionality with fresh aesthetics across a wide range of products. Charter STUDIO and former NYIGF At Home exhibitor Allison Krongard, of Wall Candy Arts, commented, “I was apprehensive about moving to the new division, but we had a fantastic show, and now I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Buyers gave us a lot of positive feedback about the new division.”

Changes in the At Home division included extensive exhibitor relocation to allow for a concentration of complementary hard goods at both Piers 92 and 94; and continued coalescing of soft goods and better home textiles at the Javits Center. Exhibitor Molly Kinney of Cole River Co., said, “A more focused presentation of lines allowed buyers to manage their time more effectively.”

EX∑TRACTS”: New discoveries in beauty and wellness was relocated to the Javits Center and integrated into NYIGF, to the overwhelming approval of exhibitors and buyers. “We’ve heard nothing but incredible things from buyers in regard to the move. They see a new energy in EX∑TRACTS at this location, and so do the exhibitors,” said long-time EX∑TRACTS exhibitor Jimmy Belasco. “At one point, we had all six of our sales associates writing orders for three hours straight.”

Within Accent on Design, a new product area was introduced, “A+ the young designer’s platform,” spotlighting emerging design talents, inspiration and ideas. “This is the first show at which my teapot has been shown,” said designer Joey Roth. “I was prepared to demonstrate it and discuss it, but not ready for the tremendous amount of interest and orders that have resulted. This is my first time selling in quantity to retailers, and it has been tremendous for my business.”

NYIGF also featured a special exhibit, “SustainAbility: design for a better worldtm” which showcased nearly 100 products crafted from sustainable materials. “SustainAbility is an issue of growing importance to the gift and home industry, and NYIGF is committed to showcasing socially responsible products and producers,” Belshaw. “The summer 2008 edition will feature an exhibit highlighting global sustainability efforts – whether through product, process or community building – as well as a related multi-part educational program.

The 155th semi-annual edition of the NYIGF will take place Saturday, August 16, through Thursday, August 21, 2008, at the Javits Center, Metropolitan Pavilion and Piers 92 and 94. The show will return to its typical Saturday/Sunday opening in August, and again will run concurrently with the New York Home Textiles Market Week and EXTRACTS: New discoveries in beauty and wellness.

The New York International Gift Fair is produced and managed by GLM, a dmg world media business. Information and registration is available online at nyigf.com, or by calling GLM’s Customer Service Department at 1-800-272-SHOW (7469), or (603) 665-7524.