Apr 23, 2008

Boston Gift Show Exhibitors Report Surge in Quality Buyers

White Plains, NY – While buyers reported a positive vibe on the Show floor of the April 5-8, 2008, Boston Gift Show, exhibitors were reporting a steady stream of quality, notable buyers in their booths.

Among the noteworthy attendees were operators of gift shops at some of the nation’s most famed landmarks, including the United States House of Representatives, The Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the John F. Kennedy Museum and Library and more.

“Boston is a city that is rich in U.S. history, making this a key market for exhibitors to showcase their latest products inspired by both the region and nation,” said Tony Orlando, show manager. “Attendance by retailers representing local, regional and national attractions confirms the Boston Gift Show’s position as a must-attend market for reaching key buyers.”

Besheer Art Tile, a 24-year exhibitor at the Boston Gift Show, was among the exhibitors visited by some of the nation’s historic landmarks, including the U.S. House of Representatives, The Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Acadia National Park, The Audubon Society, the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site and others.”We’ve been serving the U.S. House of Representatives Gift Shop for more than 13 years with our red, white and blue patriotic wall plaques,” said Ken Besheer, owner of Besheer Art Tile. “This was the first time we’ve seen these buyers at any trade show, which says a great deal about the caliber of attendees that Boston attracts and the significance of this market.”

Both exhibitors and attendees commented that order-writing was healthy during this edition of the Boston Gift Show. Offering a fresh perspective, first-time attendee and new store owner Kathie Rabasco walked away from the Boston Gift Show with new ideas, inspiration and more orders written than anticipated.

“This Show exceeded my expectations in so many ways,” said Rabasco, who will open Raindance on May 10, in Beacon, NY. “I found great companies with great products, and wrote many more orders than expected at my first Show. It was a wonderful experience and I will absolutely be back.”

Kristin Ford, owner of Kristin Ford Jewelry and 6-year Boston Gift Show exhibitor, experienced the increased order-writing firsthand. Ford, who travels from Seattle, WA, to participate, walked away from the Show with 25 percent more orders than the previous year.

“People always ask why I travel across the country to do this Show, and the answer is simple – it has always been a good Show for me,” said Ford. “I initially signed up on a whim, wanting to go somewhere new. My expectations were conservative, but from the very first Show, my experience far exceeded those expectations. This Spring was the best Show for me, with considerably more buyer traffic and a different vibe.”

In addition to a surge in quality buyers and healthy order-writing, the Show’s first Hole-in-One Contest generated buzz. Ten retailers were awarded $100 each to spend on the Show floor, and $50 will be donated to cancer care and research in the Boston area for each of the 10 successful putts. Adding to the donation, exhibitor Karma Threads will donate 10 percent of sales proceeds to the cause, from orders of their “HOPE” t-shirt placed during the Boston Gift Show.

The 161st semi-annual Boston Gift Show will run September 7-9, 2008, at Boston’s Seaport World Trade Center. The Show is expected to attract some 4,000 retailers, and will present 250 exhibitors throughout three divisions: Gifts, Etc., Handmade and Made in New England.

The Boston Gift Show is owned and managed by GLM, a dmg world media business. For exhibitor information, contact Scott Kramer, exhibit sales manager, at GLM, Ten Bank Street, White Plains, NY 10606. Telephone: (914) 421-3366. Email: scott_kramer@glmshows.com. For attendee information, contact GLM’s Customer Relations Department, by telephone, at (800) 272-SHOW or (603) 665-7524. Additional information and registration is available online at www.bostongiftshow.com.