Shows

FRESH COMPANIES INTEGRATED INTO NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR JAN. 25-29

Buyers will be introduced to scores of new companies and new introductions from established brands as they search for fresh resources at the 156th semi-annual New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), which runs Sunday, January 25, through Thursday, January 29, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 90, 92 and 94.

Market Highlights

Accent on Design Offers Full Spectrum/ Introduces Blog Awards

Accent on Design, a dynamic juried collection of 200 exhibitors, offers access to the full spectrum of contemporary design resources—from established design leaders to emerging design talents—in one easy-to-shop location.  Returning standard-bearers, such as Alessi, Artecnica, Chilewich, Dwell, Design House Stockholm, Jonathan Adler and Wabnitz, will be positioned alongside “A+TM: The Young Designer’s  Platform,” a design “incubator” showcase area which showcases designs, prototypes or finished products from students, recent graduates and new companies. In partnership with editors from alternative media outlets, new “Bloggers’ Choice” Awards will be presented to select Accent on Design exhibitors this winter, with special recognition for top gift, home and lifestyle resources.

At Home Expands Home Textiles at Javits & Refines Hard Goods at Piers.

At Home, which is presented at both the Javits Center and Piers 92 and 94, will continue to coalesce and expand mid-to-high-end home textiles resources at Javits while refining hard lines at the Piers. Between the three locations, At Home presents some 500 exhibitors with a full range of soft goods and hard lines for the home.

Within the home textiles arena, Sferra will increase its exhibit space at Javits and bed linen manufacturers SDH and Zoeppritz, will move into Javits from Pier 94. Notable changes at the Piers include expansion and relocation of Global Views and Zentique, expansion of Outdoor Designs and the addition of Made Goods (handmade mirrors and trays) and other newcomers to market.

Ex•Tracts Coalesces Personal Care Suppliers at NYIGF

Ex•Tracts will continue to evolve following its integration into NYIGF, by extending its cosmetics and personal care resources and by welcoming back past exhibitors, including Ebba Los Angeles, Bella il Fiore, Booty Parlor, and Principessa Beauty Inc. Overall, NYIGF will continue to coalesce its personal care resources by relocating relevant companies, such as Caswell & Massey, Illume, Rain Created for Living, and Terranova, into Ex•Tracts from other NYIGF divisions. Ex•Tracts features 100 companies, presenting cosmetics, perfumes, skincare, bath & body care, beauty accessories, hair care, natural/organic products, apothecary gifts and well-being lines.

General Gift featuring Just Kidstuff, The Museum Source, and Floral & Garden Accessories

With 750 exhibitors, NYIGF’s General Gift division is larger in size and scope than many gift shows, with three “showcase” areas, Just Kidstuff, The Museum Source, and Floral & Garden Accessories, to facilitate shopping.  Notable changes to NYIGF’s largest division this winter include the return of Seiko after a three year absence from the market, and the growth of JETRO, which will be doubling its space to present small accessories, stationery, textiles, incense, tote bags and other gift items from Japan.

Handmade Continues to Identify Niche Makers

Handmade will extend its identification of “Designer-Maker” exhibitors to help buyers more easily distinguish individual from production craft and will continue its showcase of Handmade in the USA, for buyers interested in sourcing and shopping American-made handcrafts.  Handmade presents a total of 575 juried participants, offering buyers an unparalleled selection of handcrafted items from 35 American states and 13 countries worldwide.

New York’s Newest Expands and Relocates

The New York’s Newest division, a “launching pad” of resources across all NYIGF categories, will relocate from the Metropolitan Pavilion to Pier 90 and expand to feature some 300 newcomers to NYIGF. Of special note within New York’s Newest this winter is first-time participation of the West Africa Trade Hub, an international group featuring gifts and home items from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland and Tanzania.

Personal Accessories Refines its Look and Welcomes Past Exhibitors into Details

NYIGF’s Personal Accessories division presents 205 exhibitors offering a full range of wearables, jewelry, fashion accessories, luggage and travel accessories, and includes the Details showcase with a mix of 50 contemporary and specialty boutique-quality personal accessories companies.  This winter, Details welcomes Plank (yoga mats and accessories) and several other companies  returning to the market following an absence, as well as newcomers Triple C (compact mirrors, keychains, and accessories); Viv & Ingrid (high-end jewelry); and By Boe (handmade jewelry).

Tabletop & Housewares Expands Luxury Lines

Luxury tabletop and home entertaining lines will be expanded in the Tabletop & Housewares division to include newcomers Huephoria (stemware and drinkware), Lesouk (tangiers),Optima (high-end picnic baskets), Glassworks (barware and serveware); and within the Accent on Tabletop section, Galena (Colombian tabletop products), and Detroit Glass (whimsical glassware).  Other returning companies will expand their exhibit space, including Thistle & Bee (high-end sterling), Wilton Armetale (alternative metals), Europe2U (European ceramics), Slant (whimsical and cutting edge glassware and ceramics), and Paper Products Designs (ceramics).  In total, the division will present a total of 200 companies at the Javits Center.

STUDIO Welcomes Trend-Setting Newcomers

NYIGF’s newest, juried lifestyle division continues to develop with the addition of trend-setting newcomers, as well as the relocation of relevant companies from other NYIGF divisions, such as Paper Cloud (lampshades, pillows, journals, t-shirts), Plush Living (pillows, journals, home furnishings) and VIVO (personal and home accessories). STUDIO will present 100 companies, showcasing a variety of trend-driven, innovative and inspired lifestyle merchandise across all categories, from baby gear to pet products and fine stationery to hip home décor, at Pier 92.

Sustainability Project Returns

In line with NYIGF’s ongoing commitment to environmental issues and opportunities connected with the gift and home industry, the Sustainability: design for a better world project will return again to the Fair.  It will offer a curated display of environmentally-conscious and socially-responsible products and producers, along with a three-part seminar series addressing “green” issues impacting the industry.

Seminars cost $20 in advance and $25 onsite, and advance registration is available online at www.nyigf.com/programs.

NYIGF will adopt a one-time date pattern shift this winter, with all nine of the Fair’s divisions opening on Sunday and closing on Thursday.  Venue availability necessitated this one-time departure from NYIGF’s traditional Saturday-Thursday staggered opening/closing date pattern.

The New York International Gift Show’s show hours will be 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, except for Thursday, when the hours will be 9 a.m.-noon.

Attendee Information

NYIGF is held concurrently with Home Textiles Market Week at NYIGF (at the Javits Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 90, 92 & 94), 230 Fifth Avenue and 7 West 34th Street. Additional information, registration and on-line advance planning tools are available at www.nyigf.com.   

SPECIAL EVENTS/SEMINARS

With support from leading industry trade publications as well as key industry associations, NYIGF offers a series of seminars addressing current retailing issues and opportunities.  This winter, subject matter is directed towards color and design trends, sustainability and retail strategies.

All seminars and events require advance registration. Complete programs details, schedule information and registration are available at www.nyigf.com/programs.For additional information and registration, contact GLM’s Customer Relations Department at 800/272-SHOW (7469), or 603/665-7524.

Sunday, January 25
NYIGF Orientation
8:30 a.m.-9:30 am.
Jacob Center, Club GLM Lounge - 1E02-1E04

A free daily NYIGF Orientation session will orient buyers new to the Fair, offering advice on how to use the directory and make the most of their time at market. Giftware News editor-in-chief, John Saxtan, will be on-hand to answer questions and provide pertinent materials to help retailers shop the show. Advance registration is required.

Sunday, January 25
Gift For Life Stakes Are High Casino
6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
La.Venue at Terminal Stores in West Chelsea, 608 West 28th Street

Market participants are invited to Gift For Life’s Stakes are High Casino event for gambling, food, drink, music and dancing. An array of prizes, from trinkets to trips, will be awarded.  All proceeds benefit DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S., and Gift For Life’s sole charity partner. Tickets are $150, with sponsorships available from $500 through $25,000. For details, contact Julia Dexter at jdexter(at)diffa.org, or 212/727-3100.

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