In the Mood

Energetic buyers made last month's Gift Fair New York's strongest winter show in years

The New York International Gift Fair got off to a flying start, with buyers packing the Piers on opening day. They weren't just looking — they were buying, and exhibitors were excited.

“We've been swamped,” said Sharri Wolf of Henry Brown.

“I'm feeling the energy,” enthused Nima Oberoi of Lunares.

“Traffic has been great, with more qualified buyers. There may be fewer people, but there are more orders,” noted Alfredo Garcia of Parasol.

Business was so good that at times it was difficult getting into a booth. Everyone we did speak to (once we pushed through the crowds!) had nothing but good things to say.

The mood was the same at the Javits Center, where an air of confidence filled the aisles. Vendors said business was good, and the busy-ness held up all day.

The new Details area in the Personal Accessories section of the show launched in grand style with upscale, boutique fashion accessories. Not one, but two runway fashion shows held in the Crystal Palace highlighted the stylish fashion accessories to be found in Details and throughout the fair. GLM's head of visual merchandising, Matthew Goodman, emceed in true Seventh Avenue style, creating a buzz of interest.

Gourmet housewares made an appearance in a display showcasing upscale, high-style housewares such as cappuccino machines, design-forward toasters, espresso cups, and vegetable peelers. Intended partially to promote the Gourmet Housewares Show in Las Vegas, the area also illustrated the growing presence of upscale housewares within the gift/lifestyle range.

The New York International Gift Fair celebrated its 75th anniversary this year, offering a list of more than 150 vendors that have exhibited for 25 or more of those years. Topping the list is Palmer-Smith, booth 2912, which has exhibited at the New York show for all its 75 years!

Pet accessories manufacturer Two Simmons Studio expanded its line to include dog gourmet doggie treats, a perfect addition to a specialty gift store looking to offer high-end petcessories that pet supply stores don't carry.

New exhibitor Caleb Siemon presented high-end art glass in the Handmade section; his work has been featured in publications from People to the international men's edition of Vogue.

Vagabond, a company known for its selection of home accents that look like they were discovered in a French flea market, showcased a new collection of jewelry featuring semi-precious stones, glass and pendants from places like Tibet, India, the Czech Republic, Afghanistan and China.

Arte Italica debuted a new flatware pattern featuring handles made of Mebatek, a manmade materal that is exclusive to the company. It resembles horn, and is an extension of the company's horn collection.

Tabletop and gourmet goods manufacturer From Spain offered a wide selection including hand-painted ceramics, olive oil, linens, sea salts and more.

The nautical look was everywhere, with all things beachy a big theme for companies, including Lunares, Bella Campagna and Archipelago.

When asked what trends were hot, Bethany Lowe of Bethany Lowe Designs replied “I don't know. They're just buying it all.”

And that seemed to be the theme for this market. While we noticed a few changes to watch — such as the growth of assemble-it-yourself wall decor that straddles the line between wallpaper and framed art — no single strong trend in new product jumped out of the mix.

However, it seemed that everything was trending up. Almost every vendor we spoke to cited lots of traffic and good sales.