Sep 27, 2007

Offinger’s Marketplaces Announces 2008 Dates

Offinger’s Marketplaces have announced the dates for their 2008 Immediate Delivery (cash & carry) Wholesale Trade Shows to be held in Columbus Ohio.

• January 18-19, 2008, Veterans Memorial Building
• March 14-15, 2008, Veterans Memorial Building
• August 15-16, 2008, Veterans Memorial Building
• October 31-November 1, Ohio Expo Center

New this year, all four Shows will open on Fridays from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm featuring a Marketplace Preview. Show hours will continue on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The March Marketplace will return to the Veterans Memorial Building in 2008.

Since 1930, Offinger’s Marketplaces have been the place for retailers to find handmade giftware, unique home decor, primitive furniture, yard and garden ornaments, gourmet food, candles, jewelry and much more. These juried events promise innovative seasonal and tried-and-true classic products for immediate delivery, allowing retailers to instantly restock and manufacturers to quickly move inventory. For shoppers who prefer to shop and ship, order-writing is also available. Offinger’s Marketplaces are scheduled to coincide with the local gift mart.

Buyers can enjoy free coffee and foot massages in the comfort zone located on the Show floor. A complimentary “Shop & Drop” storage area is available for retailers to store their product throughout the day, and then they can drive right up to the building to load when they are finished shopping. Each retail store in attendance is invited to register for the “Gas Cash” drawings held frequently throughout the Show. Winning buyers can win up to $50.00 in “Gas Cash”. Complimentary parking is also offered with the coupon found at the Show’s website www.offinger.com/handcrafted and in all of the direct mail pieces sent before each Show.

Offinger’s Marketplaces are wholesale markets for gift industry retailers only. Buyers may apply for a 3-year VIP badge, free for the first four qualified buyers from each store. A vendor’s license, photos of their retail store and two additional forms of business ID, such as a company check, Yellow Pages listing, ad, lease, or a recent invoice from an industry supplier for over $200 net are required for entry.

The Marketplaces are operated by Offinger Management Co., a leader in the association and show management industry. Offinger has been bringing people and products together with successful markets for 78 years. Through changing markets and economies, Offinger’s success lies in adapting to the market, listening to exhibitors and buyers, and producing a friendly, helpful and affordable event for the gift industry.

For information about Offinger’s Marketplaces contact Offinger Management Co., 1100-H Brandywine Blvd, Zanesville OH USA 43701-7303, call 740-452-4541, fax 740-452-2552, e-mail gfleming@offinger.com, or visit www.Offinger.com/handcrafted.