Exhibitors saw a double-digit increase in attendance at the winter 2010 edition of the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF). This surge to some 35,000+ buyers from around the world significantly exceeded pre-market attendance projections and led many exhibitors to liken the market – and its business activity – to levels not seen since early 2008.
Attendance by all major retailers, as well as leading specialty retailers from all channels of distribution, brought a noticeable energy to the market. “This was a well-attended show, with significant stores writing significant orders,” said At Home exhibitor Catherine Stemmler of SDH. “We’ve likely tripled our January 2009 sales, and might even be ahead of 2008.”
Overall, the Fair’s 2,700 exhibitors reported a positive environment conducive to healthy sales. “This seemed to be a new show, with a new vibe,” said Accent on Design exhibitor Eric Davis with Property of...
The show attracted significant out-of-region attendance and strong international attendance from Canada, as well as Europe, South America, Australia and Asia. Domestically, NYIGF drew retailers from all 50 U.S. states, with the largest gains from the immediate surrounding states (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut), as well as New England and mid-Atlantic states.
“This winter’s success is the perfect springboard for introduction of the first phase of “Focus Forward NYIGF 2013,” a strategic reorganization of NYIGF into broad market collections of Home, Craft, Lifestyle and New products.”
As announced during NYIGF, these changes will begin in summer 2010, with the recategorization of the Handmade division into Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade Global Resources classifications; and the reintroduction of New York’s Newest at Pier 92. The phased changes, which will synchronize with construction and renovation of the Javits Center, are scheduled to complete in summer 2013.
The summer 2010 edition of the New York International Gift Fair will run Saturday, August 14, through Thursday, August 19, at the Javits Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94. Some 2,700 exhibitors will showcase design-driven and fashion-forward home, craft, lifestyle and gift merchandise, in nine product categories at the three venues. Some 35,000 attendees – from all 50 states and 85 countries worldwide – are expected.
