Shoppe Object brings energetic, vibrant return to the Starrett-Lehigh Building
Shoppe Object concluded its summer edition that ran from Aug. 3-5 at the historic Starrett-Lehigh Building with a resounding positive response from brands and buyers alike. With over 850 hand-selected brands — the most ever — exhibiting across the 3rd and 4th floors of Shoppe Object’s new home on the West Side of Manhattan, visitors spent more time than ever discovering new brands and products amidst stunning Hudson River views and a host of on-site amenities and activations.
“We were hearing a drum-beat of enthusiasm heading into our first summer edition at the Starrett-Lehigh Building, and it honestly exceeded all expectations. The show floor was filled with a vibrant energy and spirit of connection throughout every aisle,” said Shoppe Object’s founder and president Jesse James. “This is what we work for –– fostering community, relationships, and opportunities for thoughtful engagement in everything we do, at the show and beyond. Shoppe Object’s growth trajectory is truly one of passion and purpose, and it relies on the dedication and excellence of so many people working in unison. The success and enjoyment of our exhibitors and attendees is what we strive for. It’s just great when things go even better than planned.”
The event drew in 25% higher attendance over last summer’s show, engaging buyers from 47 U.S. states, 33 countries, and 6 continents. Over 50% of those surveyed spent at least two days at Shoppe Object, a testament to the curation of exhibitors and breadth of quality products to explore across all categories. Impressive regional US growth included a 9% year-over-year increase in traffic from the South, 29% increase from East Coast buyers, and an astounding 37% increase from the Midwest.
“Shoppe Object is the best show in the United States,” said Jen McGonigle, a buyer from Joy Street Life + Home in Concord, Massachusetts. “It’s far above the quality of any other gift show, with so many unique items not found anywhere else. Honestly, nothing even remotely compares.”
Visitors to the show were greeted with more international pavilions than ever before, including artisan groups from Chile, Ghana, Indonesia, Morocco, Ukraine, South Africa, Japan and more. Longtime favorite curations including the Global Artisan Project, Black Lives Matter Action Initiative, American Design Club Incubation Space and NOURISH collection of small-batch beauty and gourmet brands returned with exciting new vendors, showcasing the event’s commitment to global craftsmanship and innovative design. Special signage noted ‘Only in New York,’ for the over 35% of exhibitors who show at Shoppe Object and nowhere else in the US market.
“Our gallery-like presentation mixes high-quality makers with established brands, leading to an inspiring sense of discovery connected by a soulful approach to product development, manufacturing process, storytelling, and unique elements touched by the hand and the heart,” said Renata Bokalo, newly promoted to Shoppe Object Show Director. “This is a particularly exciting time for Shoppe Object. Now that we’re in our long-term home at the Starrett-Lehigh Building, we are hyper-focused on refining and building upon the experience that our exhibitors and buyers say, year after year, keeps them coming back.”
Exhibitors across the show floors were abuzz, forming friendships and collaborations not only with buyers and customers, but also with each other. “This was our first time exhibiting, and we were part of the Shoppe Object Global Artisan Project. It was truly a wonderful game-changer for us,” said Tekia Thompson of Global Mamas in Ghana. “What stood out the most was the overall energy of the show. We really saw that buyers were there to build community, make new connections, and place orders. A triple win!”
