Jun 4, 2009

2009 National Stationery Show Proves to be Critical Market for Serious Buying

White Plains, NY — Quality buyers, diversity of product and dynamic Show floor features led to a successful market experience for exhibitors and attendees of the 2009 National Stationery Show® (NSS), held May 17-20, 2009, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Amid uncertain economic times, the NSS proved to be an essential event for retailers with social stationery and related products at the core of their business.

“We were realistic about this year’s NSS, going into the Show with tempered expectations reflective of the current state of the economy,” said Patti Stracher, show manager. “What we experienced was a Show that was more intimate, but productive and upbeat. The right people were there, making informed decisions about where to spend their money. What this demonstrates is that this is an industry and a Show that perseveres despite challenges.”

“We exhibited in the National Stationery Show to reach new buyers and cultivate business in broad retail channels,” said Shane Walster, national sales director of Die Cuts With a View, Inc. (DCWV, Inc.). “We were incredibly pleased with the stature of major accounts present and anticipate significant sales growth as a result.”

“Our luxury custom invitation business experienced a terrific show,” said Hank Beresin, vice president of sales for William Arthur, Inc. “We had a phenomenal reception to the debut of the new Vera Wang On Weddings personalized invitations album along with boxed stationery from both Vera and William Arthur. This should give us a tremendous boost to our business the remainder of the year and into 2010.”

Special features and partners of the 2009 National Stationery Show that set this market apart from years’ past included HOPE is in the Cards™ , an initiative that encourages handwritten communication as a way of spreading hope globally; The 3/50 Project, a movement to save brick and mortars by inspiring individuals to spend $50 monthly with three local independent retailers; Get Married, featuring extravagant wedding vignettes and chocolate fountains; and adjacency to SURTEX®, offering direct access to the art and design soon to be seen on social stationery and related products.

Show highlights that returned due to popular demand included Daily Demos, presented in partnership with Greetings etc. magazine; a comprehensive seminar lineup, providing expert insight on such topics as trends, going green and promotional strategies; Stationery Today, a daily publication produced by Great American Publishing; the Rainbow Room Opening Night Party, offering additional networking off the Show floor; and Passport to Discovery, a fun and interactive program that took buyers on a tour of NSS, collecting prizes along the way.

“I have relied on NSS for nine years to provide Francis-Orr with exceptional products that I cannot find elsewhere,” said Harriet Malmon, owner of Francis-Orr in Corona del Mar, CA. “The Show is also invaluable for trends and networking with my industry peers, and while smaller this year, it met 100 percent of my goals.”

“As a first-time attendee of the NSS, I was impressed with the quality and presentation of the entire Show,” said Julie Moberly of The Seasons Company in Still River, MA. “I attended several of the seminars and found each of them valuable, and took home great ideas for succeeding in a challenging economy. In addition, the ‘make and take’ demos were enjoyable, and a great networking opportunity.”

“The Show was smaller, but the intimate atmosphere combined with serious buyers made NSS a huge success for us,” said Dawn Lancaster, vice president of Carved Solutions. “We also were thrilled with the great attention we received by participating in special features, such as the Best New Product competition and Passport to Discovery.”

A highlight of the National Stationery Show each year, Best New Product Awards were presented in seven categories to Woodessen, Inc. (Desk Accessories); Kookie Stationery (Lifestyle/Specialty Gift); ‘Designers’ Fine Press, design by Margot Madison (Luxury); Simply Renee, Inc. (Paper Craft/Scrapbooking); ThemeNaps (Party); and C.R. Gibson (Social Stationery). Winners were selected by industry trade magazine editors, based on innovative product design or concept, how the product answers an industry need, aesthetic appeal, creative use of materials and innovative packaging. The 64th annual National Stationery Show, the nation’s leading marketplace for the social stationery industry, will run Sunday, May 16, through Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The Show features nearly 1,000 exhibitors and attracts some 14,000 attendees.

The National Stationery Show is owned and managed by GLM®, a dmg world media business. For exhibitor information, contact Kelly P. Bristol, sales manager, at GLM, 1133 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, NY 10604. Telephone (914) 421-3228. Fax (914) 948-2918. E-mail kelly_bristol@glmshows.com.