Jan 16, 2017

January 2017 Seattle Gift Show names Bent&Bree Best New Product

 Putting the spotlight on its growing assortment of new resources, especially those unique to and made in the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Gift Show presented Helena Silva of BENT&BREE with the show’s “Best New Product” award during the Jan. 6-9, 2017 edition at the Washington State Convention Center. Attracting retailers from throughout the Pacific Northwest and west coast region, the winter show featured the latest in new product resources, best-selling brands, up-and-coming artists and emerging industry talents.

“The Seattle Gift Show is the one-stop shop for regional retailers seeking unique designs and artisan crafts that will surely set their store apart,” says Lisa Glosson, vice president, gift/souvenir, Urban Expositions. “We enjoy recognizing creative artists like Helena Silva. Her work embodies what the Seattle Gift Show is all about – creating a space for regional retailers to find the most unique designs and new product trends that will keep their customers happy and coming back for continued business.”

Voted Best New Product by attending retailers, BENT&BREE (www.bentandbree.com) is an earth-friendly and sustainable luxury brand of vegan bags and accessories handcrafted of genuine cork. Designed and created with comfort, function and style in mind – these products are revelations of feedback received from consumers, research, focus groups and trend analysis. One of the company’s deepest core values is respect for the environment and contributing to the preservation of it. BENT&BREE products are made of cork material that is all natural (vegan), recyclable, and reusable – contributing to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable society.

To bring buyers’ attention to the show’s growing number of fresh, new designs, BENT&BREE, along with 50+ other companies, were highlighted as new, first-time exhibiting companies during the winter 2017 Seattle Gift Show.

“The Seattle Gift Show is a great resource to find new companies entering the marketplace,” said Tammy Mcintyre, National Retail Director, Aramark. “The show featured USA made product, artisan accessories and a great selection of handmade sundries.”

“This was my first time attending the show, and it exceeded all my expectations,” adds Claudia Ciobanu, marketing manager, Oregon State Park. “Every detail was well planned and executed and Urban Expositions went out of their way to make sure I found everything I needed. I was amazed to find such a welcoming community of vendors and artists who are good at what they do and want to help us achieve our goals. This was real a time saver! It would have taken us months to make as many valuable contacts and get the fresh ideas we did in a few days at the show. Now that I’ve experience the show, I can’t imagine not attending every year.”

During the January show, retailers had the chance to see regional specialties, breaking trends, emerging artists and best-selling lines in an array of categories including Gifts & Collectibles, Makers’ Market, Northwest Direction, Personal Style and Treasures To Go (Cash & Carry). In addition, buyers had the opportunity to attend free educational seminars – arming them with tools to boost their bottom line and grow their business. Topics included: customer service, creative packaging and even a “Museum Discoveries” buying tour – showcasing products on the show floor perfect for museum stores and specialty shops. Reinforcing the show’s reputation as a cost-effective, convenient resource for its regional audience, retailers enjoyed a number of money and time-saving features, including complimentary coffee, afternoon popcorn, parking reimbursement, free shuttle service, daily giveaways and discounted hotel rates too.

The Seattle Gift Show will return to the Washington State Convention Center Aug. 18-21, 2017.