Market Runup: Regional, Specialty and Major Market Shows Provide Options for Buyers
By Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 7/3/2008 9:48:00 AM
CHA Summer Show To Feature General Crafts
Elmwood Park, NJ —Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) 2008 Summer Convention & Trade Show, running July 18–20 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, will debut a new format featuring four show sections: General Crafts; Art Materials; Scrapbooking and Paper Crafts; and Fabrics, Quilting, and Needlecrafts. The General Crafts section is a growing craft segment; it will feature more than 60 new and returning exhibitors showcasing the latest products and trends in a broad spectrum of the newest craft and hobby products.
“The general crafts segment offers a variety of exciting and diverse products,” said Steve Berger, CEO, CHA. Berger added that summer show attendees will see not only the latest general crafts products and trends but will also catch the season’s hottest products from all the segments, making it a “one-stop craft and hobby show.”
For more information about the CHA summer show and its programs (which begin on July 17) visit www.chashow.org
New Upstate New York Gift Expo Set for July Run
Utica, NY — The Upstate New York Gift Expo will welcome buyers to shop its exhibits at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino Conference Center in Verona, NY, from July 21–23. This new show offers a convenient buying opportunity closer to home for retailers in the Upstate New York and New England area. Show hours are Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Wednesday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. For more information visit www.upstatenygiftexpo.com or call (315) 738-4342
SFIGF Debuts Romanian Pavilion, Hosts Benefit Shopping Evening
White Plains, NY — Under the auspices of the Romanian Ministry of Trade, 12 Romanian glass companies will show their handcrafted wares for the first time at the San Francisco International Gift Fair, July 26–29 at the Moscone Center. The artists exhibit as part of the Romanian National Pavilion in the Handmade division of the show. The exhibit will feature quality glass and crystal containers, decorative accessories and art glass products including vases, lamps, tableware and kitchenware.
“We are delighted that the Romanian Ministry of Trade has chosen the San Francisco International Gift Fair as a venue for presenting this fine group of glass artisans to the American gift market,” said Aubin Wilson, show manager. “The Handmade division is a prominent section of the show, providing a focused area for buyers seeking distinctive handcrafted products.”
And reaffirming its commitment to the San Francisco community, the SFIGF is partnering with the non-profit group Under One Roof. to co-host a special discount shopping night and wine and hors d'oeuvres reception at the non-profit’s new retail store. The event will take place on Sunday, July 27, from 6:30—8 p.m. at Under One Roof's new Castro Street location. All purchases made during this ‘shopping for a cause’ evening will benefit the organization's HIV/AIDS initiatives. Shuttle transportation to this free event will be provided and reservations for the shuttle are required; they may be made online or by calling (213) 430-2310. And to further benefit the non-profit, exhibitors will collectively donate merchandise to the organization’s retail storeat the close of the show.
“Partnering with Under One Roof … strengthens the Gift Fair’s relationship with this important non-profit and makes a difference — in a very meaningful way — to our host city,” said GLM’s Aubin Wilson, show manager. For more information, call (800) 272-SHOW(7469) or visit online at www.sfigf.com.
Orlando: Hot for One-Stop Holiday Shopping
Atlanta, GA — The Orlando Gift Show returns to the Orange Country Convention Center’s West Concourse August 2-5. This semi-annual show offers Florida retailers the opportunity to source new product closer to home. More than 500 booths will be filled with the latest introductions from top manufacturers and major Southeastern sales representatives in every product categoryThe Orlando Gift Show also runs concurrently with the Jewelry & Accessories Expo to offer cross-market buying opportunities for retailers. Among the highlights of the show are Super Sunday Specials offered by some exhibitors on Sunday, August 3 only, and Free Freight Monday offered by participating exhibitors on orders on Monday, August 4 only.
In addition, buyers can attend free educational programs to help them build their businesses:
• Dozens And Dozens Of Profit Producing Ideas. Saturday, August 2, 11:30 a.m. Speaker: Marilyn Nason
• Quick And Easy Ways To Plan Your Pr And Marketing. Saturday, August 2, 2 p.m. Speaker: Shirley Frazier
• 10 Ways To Create A Profitable Web Site For Your Store, Sunday, August 3, 11:30 a.m. Speaker: Shirley Frazier
For discounted hotel rates, contact Connections at (800) 262-9974 or www.giftshowhotels.com. For more show information or to pre-register, visit www.orlandogiftshow.com or call (678) 285.3976 or (800) 318-2238.
