Michigan Mart Closes, Temp Show to Debut

The Michigan Gift Mart, Northville, MI, home to some 40 gift-related showrooms, will close its doors at the end of November. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal customers for their patronage at the Michigan Gift Mart over the past 26 years,” said Frank Kaminskas, president of the mart's board of directors. “We will continue to be available to bring the newest product, our extensive product knowledge, discounts, and specials by participating in temporary gift shows, through appointments, and by visiting stores.” With the closing of the mart, Expo Promotions, Harbor Springs, MI, announced the launch of the Lansing Gift Show, March 5–7, 2006. Some 500 lines will be showcased across 40,000 square feet of exhibition space in the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing, MI. “The show was a natural,” said show manager Jim Liska. “Once we received official word of the showroom closing in Northville, and announced our plans, interest started pouring in immediately from both reps and buyers.” Expo is already planning a second event for August 6-8, 2006, making the Lansing Gift Show a biannual market.