Artisan Alley offers Philadelphia Gift Show attendees something new, something unique

{Sponsored} Retailers seeking one-of-a-kind designs will find the Philadelphia Gift Show, with its brand-new Artisan Alley, the ideal destination. Artisan Alley makes its debut during this winter’s Philadelphia Gift Show, being held Jan. 5-8.

In this curated collection, artisans will be offering retailers unique and handmade products in a number of categories, from ceramics and textiles to jewelry and apparel — and much more.

“We go to Philadelphia to look for new and different items that others in our area probably do not have,” said Patrick Martella of Boswell Prescription & Martella’s Pharmacy in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

What’s more, Martella said his customers are asking for items that are unique — that they can’t find at the big box stores down the street.

“We have, in the last few years, expanded our gift departments in all five of our locations, so we are open to anything that our local competitors do not offer,” Martella said. “Handmade definitely gives us that unique edge on our competitors.”

Kelsey Schissel, with Plays in Mud Pottery out of Asheville, North Carolina, agreed.

“Handmade objects ground us and help us appreciate the moment,” Schissel said. “In the fast-paced world of technology and the world in general, handmade objects allow us a small moment of calm to slow down and enjoy the moment more.

“If we only have a moment to enjoy, why not make it as beautiful as possible.”

Schissel will be showcasing her fine pottery as well as her Adventuring Owls. “When people walk into my booth and notice them, they typically giggle and exclaim how cute and adorable they are,” she said.

“I grew up the daughter of a Master Chair maker and I think this gives me a unique perspective in life,” she continued. “Using handmade objects was common place in life. My goal is to enhance the living experience through stylish elegant pottery. ”

Another artisan Martella and other retailers will be able to see during the Philadelphia Gift Show is Vanessa Cole with Blue Turtle Bath Salts, out of Dalton, Georgia.

Started in 2015, Blue Turtle Bath Scrubs uses a family recipe to create handmade, small-batch salt scrubs.

“We started a little over two years ago making our mother’s salt scrubs that she used to make and give away as gifts,” said Vanessa Cole. “We are carrying on her tradition.

“When someone orders our products, their salt scrubs are less than five days old.”

Artisans and retailers alike know one thing: consumers are looking for something special, something unique and something with a story. Retailers will be able to find all of that and more at the Philadelphia Gift Show’s all-new Artisan Alley.

Learn more at www.philadelphiagiftshow.com.