Gift Shop Plus Summer 2023

5 minutes with ANDMORE’s Sarah Mount

Editor’s note: Since the time of this interview, International Market Centers (IMC) has rebranded as ANDMORE. All IMC references in the quotes have been updated to reflect the company’s new name for clarity’s sake. 

As vice president of content and digital marketing at ANDMORE, Sarah Mount leads a creative and digital team focused on engaging buyers and sellers across its physical markets in Atlanta, Las Vegas and High Point, North Carolina. Prior to this role, she led the marketing team for Juniper by IMC. Mount’s gift and home industry experience spans 15-plus years. She was named as one of Gift Shop® Plus’ 40 under 40 Class of 2019. Mount joined the Gift For Life board in 2021 and was elected first vice chair in 2023.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE ON THE GIFT FOR LIFE (GFL) BOARD, AND WHAT IS THE BOARD PLANNING FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR?

I joined the GFL board in 2021 and have since assumed the role of vice chair. Being new to the group (relatively speaking!), I’m constantly learning from the industry veterans who are part of the board. There’s a strong history of industry manufacturers, reps, media and market centers coming together with a common goal — to support those in need. So, my role is coordination and support for this board. I work with our chair (Ari Lowenstein) and have the pleasure of sharing this role as co-vice chair with Emalee Hoffman. Together, we coordinate opportunities for the members to use their skills for good … whether that’s fundraising committees, marketing communications, partnerships and more. I’m personally new to fundraising … and my fellow board members are mentoring and encouraging me on this journey. The vice chair is responsible for keeping things organized, and it’s right up my alley with my self-admitted Type A personality. I can serve by creating opportunities for the board to use their talents for good.

For 2023 — wow, where to start? We host fundraising programs at select gift and home markets. At each market, a collection of showrooms and vendors donate to World Central Kitchen (WCK) through direct giving, money per order, promoting WCK to their buyers, hosting events and much more. In January, we kicked off the year with Las Vegas Market, then in April in High Point Market and coming up this summer, we have Dallas, Seattle and Atlanta Markets each promoting our “Feed the Hungry. Feel the Good.” donation program, where all money goes directly to WCK. We also just wrapped AIDS Walk New York, where team Gift For Life + NY NOW and Bulletin walked and ran to support GMHC in the fight against AIDS/HIV. Also this summer, the 72nd Annual Retailer Excellence Awards continues to be a big focus. We’re strategizing about new industry verticals, partnerships and opportunities to raising even more money for WCK.

WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH GIFT FOR LIFE?

ANDMORE has been a longtime supporter of Gift for Life. I’ve watched the good work it’s done for HIV/ AIDS research over the course of my career in thegift and home industry. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to step in as an ANDMORE representative. As a marketer, I’m excited to use my passion for communication, events and storytelling to help support GFL’s initiatives. As a connector of people through markets, ANDMORE can bring a lot of value to GFL’s programs, and I’m excited to be the one to help bring it to life.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE GROUP?

The group is a wealth of knowledge. I learn something new with every interaction, meeting and program we pull together. I am inspired by the passion that the individuals have to support our communities and those who need food and resources around the globe. It’s really given me a lot of perspective in my personal life and how I can do more for others. I love that it’s a rare opportunity to come together and represent what a difference our industry can make. Plus, it’s fun! Lots of personalities make for great fellowship.

WHAT IS SOMETHING FEW PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I’m a single mom to a pre-teen son. Juggling the day-to-day is far from easy — but where there’s a will, there’s a way! My son has grown up coming to markets with me. Who knows, maybe he’ll be exhibiting in the temps one day (fingers crossed).

ON A PERSONAL NOTE, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF STORE TO SHOP IN?

Garden centers and nurseries. I’m a certified plant addict. I think something happened when I turned 40; I immediately started gardening! I visit local garden and gift stores to source plants and accessories.

IF YOU WEREN’T IN THIS PROFESSION, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?

My mom and I would talk about opening a bakery when I was growing up. She’d do the baking, and I’d do the taste testing … and probably the marketing, too.

HOW CAN RETAILERS AND MAKERS GET INVOLVED IN GIFT FOR LIFE?

Definitely visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/giftforlife. Reach out on Facebook, or reach out to any board member. Whether it’s to partner on a giving program, learn more about fundraising or even join the board, we believe there’s strength in numbers and we do better together.

I would encourage anyone curious to reach out. A heart for giving and using your resources and influence is all it takes.