Whom You Know: Hundreds of New Resources at NYIGF Draw Increased Attendance

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Hundreds of New Resources at NYIGF Draw Increased Attendance

With the introduction of 500 new companies – within 2,800 total exhibitors – the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®) offered a wealth of new resources for buyers and attracted an increased number of individual retailers, as well as a robust gain in the number of stores attending market. The winter 2012 NYIGF edition ran January 28-February 2, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94.

The winter 2012 NYIGF totall attendance of 35,000 represented retailers from all 50 states and 74 countries, with Canada, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Columbia, Australia and theUnited Kingdom as the top source of international visitors. Overall, individual buyer attendance grew almost 5% over winter 2011, with total company attendance increasing more significantly – by 7% over last year.

“Growth in both individual and company attendance reflects an increasingly healthy economy and amplified the positive mood of the market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “Anecdotally, exhibitors reported a week of strong order writing, especially within home product categories, including textiles, tabletop, home furnishings and gourmet housewares.”

Strong attendance during the winter edition of NYIGF was well-received by exhibitors. “This show went really well. I wasn’t expecting this for January. It’s been fabulous,” said Diana Schimmel of Dos Riberas. Alden Smith of Aid to Artisans added, “We generally have a bigger show at the summer NYIGF than at the winter NYIGF, but this show is keeping pace. It’s a wonderful sign.”

The NYIGF “Driven By Design” campaign – which launched in the fall of 2011 -- promoted the show’s overall design-driven, fashion-forward positioning. Many exhibitors noted the buyers’ behaviors have evolved to a higher level of appreciation for design. “Buyers at NYIGF really respect the handmade movement,” said David Atlas of Marquet. “It’s been a great show so far.” Caleb Siemon of United Glass reported, “We’ve noticed a demand for unique items, and our higher end products have been selling more.”

The winter edition of NYIGF also incorporated five days of value-added programming, including educational sessions, industry social events, product awards and feature displays. Some 30+ educational seminars – mainly presented by industry publications and associations – addressed color trends, sustainability, social media and retail strategies. Industry events included 2012 Housewares Design Awards Gala & Ceremony; Gift For Life’s 20th Anniversary “Party for Life” Fundraiser; and the NYIGF’s “Night on Broadway” featuring ROCK OF AGES.

Market activities also included the Best New Product Awards, as selected by leading trade editors, in NYIGF’s Baby & Child and EXTRACTS divisions, as well as in At Home featuring Home Textiles as part of the Home Textiles Market Week Best New Product Awards. Superlative product design was also recognized with the Accent on Design Awardsand the Accent on Design Bloggers’ Choice Awards, chosen by representatives of leading design blogs. Within NYIGF’s SustainAbility: design for a better world® exhibit, the Eco Choice Awards rewarded the most innovative and environmentally responsible products. Award winners are detailed online at www.nyigf.com/TheShow/AwardsPromotionsDisplays.aspx.

NYIGF is the nation’s premier gift, home and lifestyle marketplace, with 2,800+ exhibiting companies featuring an extraordinary breadth and depth of design-driven home fashion products and complementary giftware. The summer market takes place Saturday, August 18, through Thursday, August 23, 2012, at New York City’s Jacob K. JavitsConvention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94. Some 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 80 countries worldwide are expected. Information and registration is available online at www.nyigf.com.

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