Nov 5, 2008

7WNY Tabletop Week: Upswing in Buyer Attendance, Exceeds Expectations

(NEW YORK, NY) – A significant increase in buyers – many of them first-timers – shopping the resources across the 11th Floor temporary exhibits and the tabletop permanent showrooms drove an upbeat mood throughout 7 W New York Tabletop Week, October 22-24. 7 W welcomed three new permanent suites during the market – Arc International, Sieger and Robbe & Berking.

“We were very pleased with how Tabletop Week unfolded in what are clearly uncertain times,” said Chris Collins, vice president and general manager of 7 W New York. “With a very cautious mood to begin the week, we exceeded expectations on all levels. A marketing effort targeting a new buying audience in the world of specialty stores contributed to our higher attendance for this market at 7 W. Although buyers from the major retail chains were clearly more cautious, the buyer/vendor meetings were positive, there were very few appointment cancellations and all of our building events were well-attended and lively.”

In addition to being the place for buyer appointments, the 7 W Tabletop Market offered attendees opportunities to gain valuable insight into future business and design trends. The 11th floor Market Suites hosted designers, buyers, and exhibitors at a series of thought-provoking keynote sessions.

Maria McBride, wedding style director of Brides, and the stylist responsible for the inspiring lobby vignettes, shed light on new opportunities in the bridal, tabletop and gift markets. She was followed by a well-attended lunchtime session entitled, “Editor Picks & Predictions,” which featured top design and lifestyle journalists from Brides, Metropolitan Home, The Gourmet Retailer, HFN, and Homeworld Business. They shared their favorite current and future design trends as well as their optimistic takes on market opportunities ahead. The show closed with a stellar panel – Melissa Feldman, Donatella Arpaia, Laurie Buckle and Stephanie Goto on restaurant and entertaining trends that provided fresh professional ideas for the home.

David Simpson, vice president of sales for Zak, observed, “Wholesalers who make their numbers in this tough economy do so because they offer new and different merchandise. Retailers are focusing on the innovative and the unique and found them at 7 W.”

Cortney Keim, sales representative for Rosanna, Inc was excited about their presence at the Market Suites Temporary Exhibits on the 11th floor. “We had a fantastic show, she said. “Buyers were excited about Rosanna’s new patterns.”

Gladys Ream, national sales manager for OmniWare (a new 7 W permanent showroom), added that the show, “Exceeded expectations with wonderful visits from both large and independent retailers, whose response has been very positive to new product lines. We’re thrilled to be a tenant in 7 W because buyers come to this ‘destination building’ because of its interesting diversity. One of the best decisions OmniWare has made was to come to 7 W.”

Cara Fratto, marketing manager for VIETRI, agrees, “The guidance and dissemination of information provided by the 7 W team was so helpful. These services are crucial in uncertain times such as these.”

These crucial marketing initiatives and special events paid off for buyers as well. First-time visitor, Laine Baer, buyer from Delectable Samples, Atlanta, said thinks the world of the show as well as the experience at 7 W.

“The list of resources and manufacturers is impressive, while the layout of the building and the hospitality services all allow me to spend the maximum amount of time doing what I’m here to do, which is buy,” Baer said.

Marsha Dautch, buyer for Jenss specialty stores in upstate New York, was struck by the new Lyla line of contemporary porcelain and glass shown at Isadora and Mizrahi. Dautch stated, “Like many products in this building, it has tremendous perceived value and eclectic appeal.”

Plans are already in the works for the spring tabletop market, which will take place at 7 W New York April 21-24, 2009. For more information visit www.7wnewyork.com.