Jul 31, 2018

New product features, exhibitors headline Philadelphia Gift Show

New was the name of the game for the Philadelphia Gift Show as it wrapped up its 46^th edition, July 22-25, 2018 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.  From new Northeast Flavors and Artisan Alley tabletop displays to the Buyers Concierge Club, new signage/displays, expanded hospitality offerings and many new first-time exhibitors, the show gave loyal and new buyers alike a range of fresh new products and services to help them boost third and fourth quarter sales.

Putting a special spotlight on its ever- expanding new exhibitor roster, the Philadelphia Gift Show team invited buyers to vote on the show’s best new product.  With a mission to expand global awareness of recycling while adding a little light and color, garb2ART Cosmetics took top honors for its delightful line of lip gloss, body butters, scrubs , bath bombs and more featuring recyclable and reusable packaging.

Buyers also cast votes for their favorite Made In America resource, which went to woman-owned and operated Joey & Jack for its lovely jewelry designs – all handmade locally in the company’s Coventry, Rhode Island studio.

New design for Philadelphia Gift Show Product Preview Display at show entrance giving buyers an advance look at the newest designs they’ll see on the show floor.

“We have seen so many more buyers than expected,” said Jennifer Metz, Joey & Jack.   “The show’s marketing efforts for new exhibitors are the best.  Every day has exceeded my expectations and that’s why I’ve signed up to come back.”

“As a regional show, our mission is to bring our Mid-Atlantic and Tri-state retailer, rep and other vendor audiences the best possible show experience by constantly raising the bar in terms of time and money-saving travel and show features, show floor hospitality and new product offerings,” said Sonya Lowe, show director, Philadelphia Gift Show.  “New initiatives, like our Buyers Concierge Club matchmaking service in particular, are designed to personalize the show experience and accelerate sales.”

The new Buyers Concierge Club is an online app-enabled matchmaking feature that gives key account buyers and the show’s exhibitors the opportunity to schedule appointments during the show based on mutual interests.

“I made 18 appointments through the new Buyers Concierge service and it made it so easy to find products I’ll use for my store, including a new exhibitor, Buffalo Bottle Craft, that really surprised me with their innovative products,” said Pat Martella, Martella’s Pharmacy, Johnston, PA.

“I loved that the Buyers Concierge Program let exhibitors know who I was, so they expected me when I came to their booth,” added Lois Warden, Carroll Hospital Gift Shop, Westminster, MD. “It made the experience feel more personal.”

Other new features included the debut of Northeast Flavors, a series of tabletop displays from makers of gourmet gifts, treats and other regional savory specialties.  This new section joined the growing Artisan Alley showcase, which featured handcrafted designs from artisans in a range of categories and mediums.

The all-category show floor also welcomed a number of hospitality features including new “Sip n’ Stroll” Happy Hours hosted by exhibitors  HD Coller Company, Phillip David Company, Don Mar & Associates and Bruno & Company; daily drawings for exhibitor-supplied products;  popcorn socials,  and product demonstrations in the show’s Discovery Zone.  In addition, new show signage and product preview displays hinted at other new show enhancements in the works for the Winter 2019 edition.

“I love the new signage,” said Beverly Young, Brush Creek Evergreens, Breezewood, PA.  “It communicates the fresh new look of the show.  All the Made in America products are always wonderful, and I’ve seen so many new exhibitors.”

“We love coming to the Philadelphia Gift Show because it gives us access to a whole new region of buyers we don’t get to see anywhere else,” adds exhibitor Melissa Daywalt, Indigo Bath & Body.  “It is a much more intimate show.  We are really able t o spend time with our customers and get to know them, without the overwhelming aspect of some of the bigger shows.”

The Philadelphia Gift Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center January 4-7, 2019 when it once again runs concurrently with the Philadelphia National Candy, Gift & Gourmet Show (January 5-7, 2019). For exhibitor information, contact Sonya Lowe, Urban Expositions, 1690 Roberts Blvd NW, Suite 111, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Phone: 678-370-0350, email: slowe@urban-expo.com. For buyer information or to register, attendees can call 800.318.2238 or visit www.philadelphiagiftshow.com