Middle American Shopping
Midwestern markets provide variety closer to home, and an “extreme makeover” in Kansas city unveils a whole new look
By Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 1/1/2006
ColumbusTHE COLUMBUS MARKETPLACE SHOW
January 20–25
February 19–21
March 17–21
Temporary exhibits at the Embassy Suites Hotel, March 20–22
1999 Westbelt Drive
Columbus, OH 43228
(800) 686-6278
www.thecolumbusmarketplace.com
Show Producer: Columbus Marketplace
Show Hours: January 20 and 22–25, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. January 21, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Travel Arrangements: Connections, (800) 262-9974
SeminarsSunday, January 22
- “How to deliver an extraordinary shopping experience.” 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Speaker: Doug Fleener
Monday, January 23
- Melrose International Seminar.
LOOK FOR: Shuttles, giveaways, and buyers' breaks.
HERITAGE CASH & CARRY WHOLESALE MARKET
January 14–15
Aladdin Shrine Complex
3850 Stelzer Road
Columbus, OH 43202
(717) 249-9404
Show Producer: Heritage Markets Traditional Wholesale Shows
Show Hours: January 14, 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. January 15, 9 a.m.–4 p.m..
Hotel Arrangements: Signature Inn, (614) 840-8111
OFFINGER'S HANDCRAFTED MARKETPLACE
January 21–22
Veteran's Memorial Building
300 W. Broad St.
March 19–20
Ohio Expo Center Celeste Center
717 E. 17th Ave
Columbus, OH
(740) 452-4541
Show Producer: Offinger Management
Show Hours: January 21, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. January 22, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. March 19, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. March 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Kansas CityKANSAS CITY GIFT MART
January 20–24
With Temporaries, January 21–24
March 17–20
6800 W. 115th St.
Overland Park, KS 66211
(800) 950-MART
Show Producer: Kansas City Gift Mart
Show Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Travel Arrangements: Contact the mart for a list of hotels offering special rates and shuttle transportation.
Market Highlights: The grand unveiling of the mart's “extreme makeover,” and opening of a new exhibition hall.
Special Events
- A ribbon-cutting will officially dedicate a new era at the KC Gift Mart.
- Grand Gala. Sunday evening, January 22. Dance to the music of Moon City Big Band. Champagne will flow, hors d'oeuvres will be served, and there will be celebrating.
LOOK FOR: Seminar programs are planned but details were unavailable at press time. Free shuttle service between the Mart and participating hotels.
MARKET SQUARE KANSAS
January 21–23
THE BUYERS CASH & CARRY
January 21–22
Overland Park Convention Center
Overland Park, KS
(717) 796-2377
Show Producer: Market Square Shows
Show Hours: Market Square: January 21–22, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; January 23, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Buyers Cash & Carry, January 21, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; January 22, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Travel Arrangements: Priority Travel, (888) 796-9991
MinneapolisMINNEAPOLIS GIFT MART
January 20–24
March 10–14
10301 Bren Road W.
Minnetonka, MN 553343
MINNEAPOLIS GIFT TEMPORARIES
Sheraton Hotel
Bloomington, MN
March 12–15
(800) 626-1298
Show Producer: Minneapolis Gift Mart
Show Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Travel Arrangements: Minneapolis Gift Mart, (800) 626-1298
Special Events
- Complimentary buyer's breakfast. Friday, January 20. 8–10 a.m. Four Seasons Café.
- Enter to Win: Daily drawings during the January market for an iPod; one drawing at the end of the January market for a laptop computer.
Seminars take place in the Four Seasons Café and include continental breakfast.
Saturday, January 21
- Irresistible Promotions. 8–10 a.m. Speaker: Cheryl Karpen.
Sunday, January 22
- Getting Back Your Dream. 8:30– 9:30 a.m. Speaker: Cheryl Karpen.
Monday, January 23
- Work Smarter Not Harder. 8:30– 9:30 a.m. Presented by Encompass Group.
