Feb 14, 2024

February 2024 Shoppe Object cites record-breaking growth

Shoppe Object has concluded its winter 2024 edition, marking a milestone in its journey of growth, according to show executives.

With an expanded footprint that included both Pier 36 and the newly added venue at Skylight at Essex Crossing, this year’s show was the largest yet, with over 700 curated brands for buyers to explore and discover, a 20% increase from 2023.

From its humble beginnings as a gathering of 100 brands in the H&H Bagel factory, show executives say Shoppe Object has evolved into a must-attend event for buyers from around the world to discover home, giftware, books, paperware, jewelry and more. The addition of the Skylight at Essex Crossing venue added twice the space of Shoppe Object’s previous 2023 expansion at Pier 36, underscoring the show’s commitment to providing the ultimate curated resource for taste-making merchants, influential editors and designers.

“Honestly, we’re ecstatic,” expressed Jesse James, founder and director of Shoppe Object. “It was not without trepidation that we embarked on a two-venue strategy to implement necessary expansion this season, and we couldn’t have imagined better results. We had more feet on the floor than ever before — more brands and more retailers, more designers and media — and you could feel it in both locations. Many remarked that there was an excitement and an energy that reminded them of our very first show.”

“I loved the two locations and the quick shuttles between,” said retailer Lauren Naimola of Dear Golden regarding the addition of Skylight at Essex Crossing. “There was great food and music, and I loved meeting the makers and getting to know my vendors face-to-face. It felt like a fun party! It’s the best show with the best vendors. I honestly cannot think of anything to improve!”

Among the standouts featured at this year’s winter edition were the 150-plus brands new to the show, including Abigail Ahern, SERAX, East Fork Pottery, Sabre Paris, Heller, Alain St. Joanis, Native Union and Missoni, with some marking their US Wholesale Market debut at Shoppe Object. International exhibitors made up 30% of the exhibitors at the New York show, hailing from 25 countries around the world, including Abigail Ahern (England), Alain St. Joanis (France), Artel (Czech Republic), Avenida Home (England), Fazeek (Australia), House of Lyria (Italy), Kiliim (Turkey), Missoni (Italy), Mud Australia (Australia), PANTONE by COPENHAGEN DESIGN (Denmark), Peugeot (France), Sabre Paris (France), SERAX (Belgium), Umbra (Canada), and Yamazaki (Japan). As the community grows, Shoppe Object has continued to seek out innovative, exciting, and beautiful brands around the world, bringing them to the U.S. and providing an exclusive entryway to the North American market.

Andy Van den Berghe, CCO at SERAX, added: “As an international lifestyle brand participating in trade shows around the world, our first time at Shoppe Object was a success and a real added value, allowing us to connect with high-caliber customers. The energy brought by the show and its curated brand assortment truly stood out, and helped us fit in perfectly.”

Highlights from the February show included a growing turnout of buyers, designers and media professionals and the introduction of a dedicated space for The Take Back Bag at Pier 36, where bags on a recycle-reuse mission were provided free of charge. Attendees also had the opportunity to take part in the interactive nature of the show, witnessing live collage-portrait making by the Shoppe Object artist of the season, James Gallagher.

As a vanguard of the spirit of the retail and design community, Shoppe Object reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating inclusivity within the industry at the Winter show. Through programs like the Black Lives Matter Action Initiative and the Global Artisan Project, Shoppe Object continued to show its dedication to fostering diversity across a growing fellowship of brands and attendees.

True to its reputation, Shoppe Object delivered a vibrant and engaging atmosphere across its two venues, complete with curated playlists, delectable food and beverage options and a lively late-night party for exhibitors and attendees alike. The show has been dedicated from the beginning to ensuring that buyers are treated to a seamless and delightful experience, with surprises awaiting them at every turn.

“The energy at Shoppe Object was in the air. Between the cool music, access to amazing food, and of course the constant flow of clients, we were in trade show heaven. It’s not your ordinary trade show,” said exhibitor John Edelman, president anf CEO of Heller.

Among the list of thousands of buyers attending this year’s show were retailers Anthropologie, Bergdorf Goodman, Design Within Reach, Food52, Herman Miller, and Macy’s, as well as buyers from the museum stores at The Frick, Getty Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, SF MoMA, and The National Gallery, among others from around the country.

“Curation, layout, location, caliber of brands –– all great,” added designer Lisa Tumbarello of Potomac River Interiors, “All the vendors I spoke with were knowledgeable and passionate… I found many things I was looking for, and many more that I wasn’t –– which is a good thing! I had a great first experience and I will be back!”