Nov 17, 2008

Industry Trends Eyed at Premier Gift Market in Pacific Northwest

Seattle, Washington: They say the bluest skies you’ve ever seen are in Seattle. And from January 24-27, so are the greenest educational sessions, most innovative new products and invaluable networking opportunities when the semi-annual Seattle Gift Show comes to the Washington State Convention & Trade Center.

“Through its collaboration with the permanent showrooms of the Pacific Market Center, the Seattle Gift Show presents an unprecedented seven full days of buying opportunities featuring the freshest gifts, home and lifestyle products,” says Jenay Root, Manager of the Seattle Gift Show. “These two world-class, easy-to-shop venues represent the largest market in the Pacific Northwest, providing retailers with access to over 10,000 national and innovative lines of product, exciting new vendors and an industry-recognized educational forum.”

This year’s schedule includes a green panel moderated by Richard Bloom of Bloom Enterprises and featuring several key retailers and manufacturers. Other seminars presented by Melissa Haberstroh and Lynn Switanowski-Barrett address topics such as merchandising, planning in-store events, multi-generational marketing and social networking.

“The Pacific Northwest economy is among the healthiest in the West, with a strong retail base located amidst the headquarters of innovative companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Nordstrom and Amazon.com,” says Root, noting that the Seattle metropolitan area ranks 13th among the 362 markets nationwide in terms of effective buying income. Adds Root, “More than ever, when independent retailers are looking for unique, sellable product, they come to this show.

The semi-annual Seattle Gift Show is managed by GLM, a dmg world media business and will take place January 24-27, 2009 at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center. Exhibitors seeking information should contact show manager Jenay Root at (213) 430-2311 or jroot@glmshows.com. Attendee information may be obtained by contacting GLM Customer Relations at (800) 272-SHOW (7469) or (603) 665.7524. Visit www.seattlegift.com for more detailed information about the show.

Following is a complete schedule of panels, seminars and special events for the upcoming Seattle Gift Show.

Sustainable & Green: What the eco-buzz means for your business
Saturday, January 24, 2009
12pm to 1:15pm

Moderator: Richard Bloom, Owner of Bloom Enterprises
Panelists: Robert Boehlke, Owner of HOUSEwares; Bettie Edwards, Owner & Proprietor of the Little House; Keith Lee, President & Owner of American Retail Supply; and Ron Bowden, Sales Representative for San Segal Sportswear

Sustainable… green… eco-friendly. What do these ubiquitous buzz words mean for your business? On a more basic level, as a human being on the planet, what is the minimum that everyone should be doing? What are some easy, fun and inexpensive ways to begin the process of becoming Greener? These questions and more are discussed and practical advice given on how your business can turn green ideas into green dollars.

Retail By Design: A Blueprint to Successful Lifestyle Merchandising
Sunday, January 25, 12pm to 1:15pm

Every store should have a unique blueprint – a custom mix of product, atmosphere and merchandising that sets it apart. Learn how to maximize your Seattle Gift Show buying experience and get inspired to “buy with your displays in mind”. Gain an introduction to lifestyle retailing, use the psychology of shopping to merchandise for maximum sales and most of all, learn to adapt market inspiration to your personal style.

Retail By Design: A Blueprint to Eventing (In Store Event) Success
Sunday, January 25, 3pm to 4:15pm



Retail veteran or new store owner, large store or small, learn how to set yourself apart from the competition and build retail-tainment into your store’s offerings by designing successful in-store events. Get the tips you need to create an event calendar for your store; plan and execute your event; adapt inspiration for events to your store’s style and customer base; and the secrets of promotion.

Getting Boomers to Bust out Wallets and Generating Moohla from Millenials
Monday January 26, 12pm to 1:15pm


This seminar provides an in depth look at the consumers of today. Dealing with critically important factors on why and how consumers spend money is the key for your business as it seeks to generate revenue from the shopping public. Learn what motivates each generation to spend money today and learn how to develop marketing messages that will attract each generation by focusing on the message AND what media to place it in.

Are you Tubing, Facebooking, Twittering and Flikring Your Way to New Customers?
Monday January 26, 3pm to 4:15pm



This seminar features an introduction to the power of social networks and will explain how your business can harness that power to create brand loyalists and community members who will shop in your store and tell others to do so as well – all via the World Wide Web. Social networks are becoming a part of every company’s best practice marketing programs. Learn how to make it work for your business today.