Winter 2010 NYIGF Posts Double-Digit Attendance Gains
White Plains, NY — Renewed buyer optimism and positive economic indicators directly resulted in a double-digit increase in attendance and robust order-writing at the winter 2010 edition of the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®). This surge to some 35,000+ buyers from around the world significantly exceeded pre-market attendance projections and led many exhibitors to liken the market – and its business activity – to levels not seen since early 2008.
Attendance by all major retailers, as well as leading specialty retailers from all channels of distribution, brought a noticeable energy to the market. “This was a well-attended show, with significant stores writing significant orders,” said At Home exhibitor Catherine Stemmler of SDH. “We’ve likely tripled our January 2009 sales, and might even be ahead of 2008.”
Overall, the Fair’s 2,700 exhibitors reported a positive environment conducive to healthy sales. “This seemed to be a new show, with a new vibe,” said Accent on Design exhibitor Eric Davis with Property of… Cara Fratto with VIETRI®, an anchor Tabletop & Housewares exhibitor, echoed, “People are happy and in the mood to buy. We’ve surpassed sales from our best year, and continue to see amazing traffic.” EX•TRACTS® exhibitor Tina Willcock with Fruits & Passion, added “Retailers are stepping out again. Consumer confidence is building, and orders exceeded our expectations.”
Success was common among the Fair’s 400 new exhibitors, as much as by veteran participants. “This was our first time participating in NYIGF, and it’s been a tremendous venue for meeting potential customers,” said EX•TRACTS newcomer J.R. Rigley of J.R. Watkins Naturals. “International buyers are important to us, and we’ve met people from Africa, Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.”
Significant out-of-region attendance was reflected among winter 2010 market-goers, with strong international attendance from Canada, as well as Europe, South America, Australia and Asia. Domestically, NYIGF drew retailers from all 50 U.S. states, with the largest gains from the immediate surrounding states (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut), as well as New England and mid-Atlantic states.
“NYIGF has weathered the economy’s ebbs and flows, and is more exuberant than ever,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “This winter’s success is the perfect springboard for introduction of the first phase of “Focus Forward NYIGF 2013,” a strategic reorganization of NYIGF into broad market collections of Home, Craft, Lifestyle and New products.” As announced during NYIGF, these changes will begin in summer 2010, with the introduction of a new Baby+Child category; recategorization of NYIGF’s Handmade division into distinct Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade Global Resources classifications; and the reintroduction of New York’s Newest at Pier 92. The phased changes, which will synchronize with construction and renovation of the Javits Center, are scheduled to complete in summer 2013.
Other highlights of the winter 2010 market included the introduction of new business-to-business opportunities with the winter market debut of The Licensing Gallery @ NYIGF®, a showcase of artists, designers and licensing agents offering licensed artwork for product application in numerous industries. According to exhibitor Barbara Newman of Johansen Newman, “It works very well to have the Licensing Gallery within the Gift Fair, and the adjacency of art and design resources is a real convenience for exhibitors. I made a serious number of significant contacts which are more than promising. I am very pleased with results.”
Other notable market activities included presentation of the 2nd semi-annual Eco Choice Awards, which recognize the most innovative and environmentally responsible products within NYIGF’s SustainAbility: design for a better world® exhibit. Retailers bestowed awards to: Turtle Tech Design for the Mova Globe in the “Most Innovative” category; Sustainable Threads for hand embroidered journals in the “Most Sensitive Use of Materials” category; and Marianne’s Sol Mate Socks, Inc. for adult cotton socks in the “Most Sellable” category. The Eco Choice Awards are sponsored by NYIGF and GREENRetailer.
Product innovation also was recognized in other categories of the Fair, with trade and consumer editors selecting winners of the EXTRACTS Best New Product Awards and the Home Textiles Market Week Best New Product Awards; and representatives of leading design blogs selecting their top product picks in the Accent on Design “Bloggers’ Choice Awards.” Winners of these awards, as well as the Accent on Design Awards are listed online at http://www.nyigf.com/TheShow/AwardsandPromotions.aspx.
The summer 2010 edition of the New York International Gift Fair will run Saturday, August 14, through Thursday, August 19, at the Javits Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94. Some 2,700 exhibitors will showcase design-driven and fashion-forward home, craft, lifestyle and gift merchandise, in nine product categories at the three venues. Some 35,000 attendees – from all 50 states and 85 countries worldwide – are expected.
The New York International Gift Fair is produced and managed by GLM®, LLC. For exhibitor information, contact Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF manager, at (914) 421-3296, orchristian_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.
