Aug 23, 2007

Personal Accessory, Wellness and Green Products Drive Sales at San Francisco International Gift Fair

White Plains, NY – Strong buying was reported by exhibitors in every category at the summer edition of the San Francisco International Gift Fair (SFIGF), featuring more than 1,200 companies at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, July 28-August 1, 2007. Hundreds of new companies invigorated the Fair’s resources with fresh takes and introductions across all divisions. Growth in personal accessories and personal care exhibitors was accompanied by notable product innovation in both categories, while green and sustainable products emerged as the Fair’s leading trend. Retailers welcomed the spotlight on eco-friendly products and applauded the first-ever ‘Green Resources’ list.

“Successful business was reported from all divisions at the San Francisco International Gift Fair,” said Wendy Tonkin, President, Western Exhibitors, Inc. “Exhibitors offered a wealth of new, trend-setting resources and the caliber of the buyers in attendance was high,” she added. “Standout exhibits, displays and showfloor demonstrations gave an exceptional look and feel to the summer edition of the Fair – an event like no other in the country.”

In direct response to consumer demand and emerging retail trends, the SFIGF premiered ‘green’ or eco-friendly resources which provided forward-thinking retailers a vast array of product options.

The show’s concerted focus on buyer comfort and amenities – in particular “The Lounge” relaxation and refreshment zones – continued to be well received. In the three editions of ‘The Lounge,’ retailers enjoyed complimentary morning coffee, refreshments, afternoon wine and cheese, water bottles, complimentary massage, other amenities – and a comfortable place to meet with colleagues. The Fair’s buyer hospitality initiative provides all services gratis throughout the show.

Best Visual Presentation Awards were presented to nine exhibitors at the Fair. Independent booth award committees selected winners based on ambiance, creativity, lighting, display skills, signage, wall systems and floor covering.

The Moscone North Booth Award winners were:

• Accent on Design: Lichen, Bainbridge Island, WA
• At Home: The Homeport, Union, MO
• Details: Echo France, San Leandro, CA
• Handmade: M.B. Designs Inc., Portland, OR
• Just Kidstuff: Bella Bubs, Cloverdale, CA
• The Museum Source: California Pacific Designs – Bamboo Jewelry, Alameda, CA

The Moscone South Booth Award winners were:

• 1st Place: Regal Art & Gift, Martinez, CA
• 2nd Place: Bell Fleur, Van Nuys, CA
• 3rd Place: The Bella Paperie, Palo Alto, CA

Buyers placing orders at the Fair qualified to win prizes, including several grand prize drawings. The winner of the Buyer Rewards Grand Prize Drawing was: $2,500 Cash Back For Orders: Melissa Doyle, Berryvale, Inc., Mt. Shasta, California

The summer market presented a comprehensive business-building educational platform. Several new topics and speakers highlighted the seminar line-up including “Stand Out! Five Ways to Position and Grow Your Store with Powerful Brand Identity” with author and retail consultant Larry Mersereau; “Color, Material and Fixture Trends” with visual expert Linda Cahan; and “The Art of Retailingtm,” with Lisa Duncan, visual retail expert. The ever popular Retail Tour and “In-Depth Store Focus Day” brought retailers to San Francisco’s sophisticated Sacramento Street shopping district.

The latest gift industry trends and directions – from wine accessories to canine couture, gift baskets to spa indulgences – were spotlighted in the SFIGF Demonstration Theater. Included was an exciting roster of live chef appearances by a select group of top-notch San Francisco chefs. Back by popular demand, the PetStyle division hosted “Pet Fashion Shows,” showcasing the latest in pet couture, including clothing, gifts and accessories.

The next edition of the SFIGF will run January 26-30, 2008, at The Moscone Center. The show will welcome approximately 16,000 retailers and present some 1,200 exhibitors throughout approximately 190,000 net square feet. The Fair will feature 17 divisions, including Accent on Design, At Home, Cash & Carry, Details, Distinctive Lines, FoodFocus, GardenStyle, General Gift, Handmade, The Jewelry Vaultsm, Just KidStuff, The Museum Source, Personal Accessories, PetStyle, Stationery & Trend, Village Arts and The Vintage Collection. The Fair runs in conjunction with the permanent showrooms of The Giftcenter & Jewelrymart.

The SFIGF is jointly managed and co-produced by Western Exhibitors, Inc. (on behalf of dmg world media) and George Little Management (GLM), LLC. For exhibitor information about Cash & Carry; Distinctive Lines; FoodFocus; GardenStyle; General Gift; Personal Accessories; PetStyle; Stationery & Trend Merchandise; Village Arts; Jewelry Vault and The Vintage Collection, contact Western Exhibitors, LLC, 2181 Greenwich Street, San Francisco, CA 94123. Telephone (415) 346-6666. Fax (415) 346-4965. E-mail: showinfo@weshows.com.

For exhibitor information about Accent on Design, At Home, Details, Just Kidstuff, The Museum Source and Handmade, contact George Little Management, LLC, 10 Bank Street, White Plains, NY 10606-1954. Telephone (914) 421-3370. Fax (914) 948-2867. E-mail: sfigf@glmshows.com.

Attendee information is available from Western Exhibitors, Inc. Telephone (800) 346-1212 or fax (415) 346-4965. E-mail: showinfo@weshows.com. Additional information and registration is available online at sfigf.com.