Strong Activity at NYIGF Signals Renewed Optimism
White Plains, NY — “Quality over quantity” characterized the optimistic and healthy buying activity during the winter edition of the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) which took place January 25-29 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 90, 92 and 94. Some 2,900 exhibiting companies reported business-as-usual purchases from major buyers, cautious orders and reorders from specialty stores and a surprising number of new customers among the 32,000 buyers who traveled from near and far to attend the Fair’s 156th semi-annual edition.
Buying activity at NYIGF was reflective of current economic conditions, with order-writing and inventory restocking reflecting current consumer purchasing behavior. Buyers showed renewed interest in the “staples” products with lower price points and handcrafted products with special appeal. Many retailers relied solely on NYIGF, which was the last major market of the winter 2009 buying season, to meet restocking needs for depleted inventory, or to reinvigorate existing merchandise offerings.
“The buzz on the show floor was encouraging given current economic conditions,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “Buyers reported renewed optimism for the upcoming year, and exhibitors reported steady, and in some cases, strong sales relative to pre-show expectations.”
A product category which continues to shine is handmade craft, in response to unflagging consumer demand for quality artisan workmanship. “In light of the current economy, I’m surprised to say that we’re having a very solid show,” said jewelry designer Stephen Estelle. “I’ve seen the large and small companies, new and old.”
Nadine King of Wendy Mink Jewelry, another participant in NYIGF’s Handmade® division, opened new accounts, and saw her regular customers who traveled from California to be at NYIGF. “No matter what’s going on, NYIGF is a show that you just have to attend,” she said.
Innovative product design also maintained its prominence at NYIGF. The third edition of “A+™: the young designer’s platform,” a showcase for emerging design talents within Accent on Design®, expanded to feature six first-time participants. “Being showcased in Accent on Design, along with so many established names and industry icons, was an extraordinary privilege and opportunity,” said Jungbae E of blueoculus, a young product and furniture design company. “A+ gave us a prime venue to showcase our vision to a very broad audience, helping us not only to find our specific market, but also gain a more profound understanding of business and design.”
The summer 2009 edition of the New York International Gift Fair will run Saturday, August 15, through Thursday, August 20, 2009, at the Javits Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94. Double-digit growth is expected in two divisions – EX•TRACTS® and Personal Accessories featuring Details® – at the Javits Center; and repositioning of Pier exhibits is planned to facilitate traffic flow and cross-category buying opportunities. New York’s Newest, a “launching pad” of newcomers to NYIGF, will relocate from Pier 90 to Pier 92, to run alongside Studio™; and At Home will be presented exclusively on Pier 94 (with At Home featuring Home Textiles presented at the Javits Center).
The New York International Gift Fair is produced and managed by GLM®, a dmg world media business. For exhibitor information, contact Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF manager, at (914) 421-3296, or christian_falkenberg@glmshows.com. For attendee information, contact GLM’s Customer Service Department at 1-800-272-SHOW (7469), or (603) 665-7524. Additional information and registration is available online at www.nyigf.com.
