Feb 21, 2014

Artisan Resource Wraps First Successful Four Day Market

An extension to four days and a shift to a Saturday opening were enthusiastically received by participants in the fourth semi-annual edition of Artisan Resource®, February 1-4, 2014, at New York City’s Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 94. This one-of-a-kind market, which offered U.S.-based volume importers, direct import retailers and wholesalers the opportunity to meet with international artisanal producers from 23 countries worldwide, ran concurrently with NY NOW®, the Market for Home + Lifestyle (formerly NYIGF®).

“Buyers and exhibitors responded positively to the changes in show dates and duration this winter, and we’ll continue this pattern for future shows,” said Allison Garafalo, Artisan Resource sales manager. “Exhibitors reported strong business over the four days of market, with buyers and product developers from major retailers including ABC Carpet & Home, Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, VivaTerra and West Elm.”

Countries represented by individual exhibiting companies were Afghanistan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. In addition to individual exhibiting companies, the show also featured three government sponsored pavilions: Ministry of Trade and Industry – Panama, PromPeru, and Office National De L’artisanat Tunisien (ONAT). The Tunisian American Young Professionals (TAYP) co-hosted the Show’s Opening Night Reception, providing sweets and tea for the celebration.

Additional market highlights included presentation of a first-ever “Design Council” program, designed to advise artisans and artisan groups on market-relevant product design and adjustments in techniques and materials. The three-part program featured a panel discussion on design and product development, a design roundtable breakfast and special “matchmaking” opportunities for participants. The Design Council, a collaboration between ByHand Consulting and HAND/EYE Fund, is committed to helping artisans worldwide become more successful and self-sufficient through better design.

Artisan Resource is managed by GLM and organized with the assistance of ByHand Consulting. Participants are selected based on their products and production capabilities, experience in meeting export demands, and commitment to design innovation, cultural preservation, social enterprise and sustainability. The summer 2014 edition of Artisan Resource will take place Saturday, August 16, through Tuesday, August 19. The four-day show will run concurrently with NY NOW’s NEW! Collection, housed at New York City’s Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 94. Additional information and registration is available online at www.artisanresourceny.com.

The summer 2014 edition of NY NOW, the Market for Home + Lifestyle, will run Saturday, August 16, through Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 94. NY NOW’s four comprehensive collections – HOME, LIFESTYLE, HANDMADE and NEW! – will encompass 100,000 products in 400+ product categories. Some 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 80 countries worldwide are expected. Information and registration is available online at www.nynow.com.