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| Pride of New England Award Winners Announced |
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The Boston Gift Show announced six honorees for the 2nd annual Pride of New England Awards, a coveted honor that recognizes New England retailers for excellence in customer service, creative merchandising and community involvement. The six honorees were announced during a reception on Saturday, March 24, at the Boston Gift Show.
The 2007 honorees are:
- Dedham Women’s Exchange , Dedham, MA
- Off The Wall Art and Fine Creations, Newburyport, MA
- Snow Goose Shops, Sandwich, MA
- Susan’s Secret Garden, Sturbridge, MA
- The New England Sampler, Manchester, NH
- The New Hampshire Stores, Hampton, NH
Nominations for the 2008 Pride of New England Awards are now being accepted. The nomination form can be found online at http://www.bostongiftshow.com/nominate. |
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| Boston Gift Show Announces Launch of Outdoor Living Division |
 The Boston Gift Show will expand into the realm of garden-related products with the addition of an Outdoor Living® section, in September 2007. The new annual division, sponsored by Garden Center magazine, is scheduled to run each fall at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, and will feature some 65 exhibitors. As New England’s premier market for regionally-produced gifts and decorative accessories, the Show will feature a total of 400 participants.
George Little Management, LLC (GLM®), owner of the Boston Gift Show, determined a need for the addition of an Outdoor Living division after research revealed a strong audience and rising interest in this product category. The Northeast region represents the largest concentration of garden centers in the United States, and some $50 billion was spent on outdoor living areas in 2005. With consumer demand at an all-time high, the Boston Gift Show will serve as a platform for companies to showcase the latest in gardening merchandise to thousands of retailers from throughout the New England states.
Outdoor Living will feature bird feeders, decorative accessories, garden tools, planters, furniture, fountains, lighting, prints, patio products and other related merchandise. Complementing the new division will be educational opportunities and networking events specific to this segment of the industry, making this a comprehensive market experience for retailers looking to incorporate or grow a gardening section within their stores.
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Overheard at the Boston Gift Show |
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“This has been our best show ever in Boston. Buyers are enthusiastic and I’ve heard nothing but positive comments. We’re meeting most our retailers’ needs in Boston, just as well, if not better than the larger shows. There is also a comeback of appreciation for handmade products, specifically those Made in the USA.”
— Mary Gliniany, For the Journey Jewelry, Circle Pines, MN
“We had a steady flow of buyers coming through each day, and they’ve been high-end buyers which has made this the best show ever for us. We’ve done a lot of order writing – up 200 percent over last year!”
— Marla Bosworth, Back Porch Soap Co., Duxbury, MA
“This has been a great show for us, especially to introduce our new Shining Stars product. We’ve done $400,000 in order writing for this product alone. There are good quality buyers at this show, who are writing big orders.”
— Russ Hines, Russ Berrie and Company, Inc., Oakland, NJ
“There’s a positive energy among everyone here. The first three days were vibrant, and there’s an upbeat outlook about this market. It’s attracting a different blend of people, which is creating a great atmosphere.”
— Dave Tabin, Buxton, Holyoke, MA
“My products target high-end buyers, and I entered the Boston Gift Show with some concerns about this being the right market for me. I’ve been very pleased with the turnout, and have found a considerable amount of high quality buyers. It’s been a valuable and successful experience.”
— Jeanne de Andrade, Jeanne de Andrade Designs, Bellingham, MA
“We had a great show in Boston! One of my vendors, Kitras Art Glass, had their best show since 2001. All of my reps worked very hard to drive buyers to our booth so we could show them new items we were introducing!”
— Brian Hickman, Brian & Company, Wellesley, MA |
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 1) What makes your store stand out from the rest?
Once you step into our shop you can easily see – at a glance – what we have to offer downtown Dover, NH, and nearby towns. We have an open atmosphere where customers can easily see our creative displays and choose to step in either direction for clothing and accessories, or gifts and cards. The eye is not confused and you are not crowded with merchandise. Our staff greets visitors but stays a distance away and keeps busy until needed, without unnecessary pressure.
2) What is the store’s theme?
We tend to quietly and tastefully go with the seasons. Our decorating lends itself to the product and blends, sometime selling along with the items we inventory. We always receive kudos on our creative window displays.
3) What is your advice to a start-up retail operation?
With clothing, be ready to move merchandise no matter what the price. You cannot keep season upon season. You will learn that sometimes you only get your money back or less, so look to keep overhead as low as possible. You can never forecast the weather so keep inventory coming in small lots and frequently so there is constant change. Move your inventory displays or remake them weekly.
4) What is the value of the Boston Gift Show for your store?
Forging relationships and knowing who you are buying from; finding quality pieces in person.
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Andrea Valenti, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Chic handbags, totes and jewelery |
 1) What is the inspiration behind your product?
My inspiration comes from the desire I have to connect with people through my work. The surface textures of my textiles are designed to evoke and engage the senses. In this way, I make a human connection. I strive to embody sensuality, substance and style in my bag collection. My designs are the result of continuously weaving myself through time, from influences of the past and technology of the future. They integrate art, architecture, culture and fashion.
2) How do you market your product(s), and which is the most effective method?
The best form of marketing is word of mouth. That said, the word doesn't get around unless you put it out there. The most effective method comes from understanding who and where my customer is. There are more options than ever to market, but knowing my core customer leads me to make the right choices for trade publications, shows and events.
3) What is your advice to a startup company entering the gift market?
If you are marketing your own designs, the most valuable way to understand your market is through exposure. The gift market itself now has crossover from other markets. There are more and more designer branded accessories and wares popping up into the gift category. Limiting yourself to typical venues can be your downfall. Watch the market with an open mind and ask questions, then you will know where to find your customer.
4) What is the value to the Boston Gift Show to your company?
Being represented by a company like George Little Management for the Boston Gift Show and past ICFF shows throughout the years has been very rewarding. Dedicated and supportive management staff, as well as the ease of show logistics and communication, make the difference. It means a great deal when you make a large investment for a four day engagement.
Boston is only a 45 minute drive from my home in Rhode Island which made the location - a fabulous new venue - one of the easiest for set up and breakdown. |
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Share Your Expertise
Be quoted in the next issue of Gift Rap! Share your experience and knowledge with fellow retailers by answering the following question:
What is your store’s #1 customer service tip?
Please respond to melissa_becker@glmshows.com, by June 29.
Looking to explore Boston during non-show hours?
Visit http://boston.citysearch.com/ for great restaurants, shopping, events and more!
Have you booked your hotel room for the Boston Gift Show?
Visit http://www.bostongiftshow.com/content/travel.cfm for fast and easy reservations!
For the latest information on the Boston Gift Show, including an exhibitor search and seminar information, visit us online at www.bostongiftshow.com.
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“Energy”. That was the word heard time and time again at the recent Boston Gift Show, held March 24-27, at the beautiful Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The market was strong, with exhibitors reporting “enthusiastic buying” and retailers reporting “great new products” on the Show floor. The renewed energy was apparent, with quality traffic and buzz about top-notch product. We’re confident this positive atmosphere will carry over to the September market, taking place September 15-18, when we launch the new Outdoor Living® division and attract a new category of buyers. Until then, remember to stay up-to-date with Boston Gift Show developments at bostongiftshow.com! |
Tony Orlando
Show Manager |
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Museware Pottery Tap into the martini craze with this clever barware collection. Playful martini pitcher and six glasses featured winged words for the martini effect: Oiled, Laced, Tanked, Buzzed, Juiced and Tight. New from Museware Pottery!
Cuddlebee took baby fashion to a new level with their ultra hip bibs, posh burp clothes and luxurious blankets. A brand created for trend-setting moms who want to pamper their baby with style and luxury.
Heritage Family Specialty Foods and Hearst Brand Development, publishers of Country Living magazine, have partnered to manufacture and distribute gourmet foods under the brand name Country Living Specialty Food Collection. The Collection was inspired by the warm savory dishes and rich, fruity desserts of traditional country cooking.
Tamohara Collection returned to the Boston Gift Show with a new series of organic designs incorporating leaves, animals, insects and flowers into its sterling silver jewelry. The company is also known for its large selection of clip earrings, contemporary styles and geometric shapes.
Nativa Designs introduced a new concept in fused glass jewelry, accessories and home art décor. The company presented a collection full of color and design.
Pandion Associates presented new imports from Cambodia, each handcrafted by Tabitha-Cambodia, a non-profit organization working with Cambodia’s poor. Products included hand-dyed and woven silk sewn into beautiful fashion accessories and home decor products, as well as handcrafted copper and silver Christmas ornaments.
Showcasing the work of emerging photographers, Vernakular Photo Designs presented a line of apparel and accessories that fuses art and fashion. With its bold graphic images inspired by pop culture, urban landscape and iconography, Vernakular takes a fresh and often humorous approach to the scenes and subjects we see everyday.
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The Boston GiftShow® is produced and managed by George Little Management, LLC.
For more information on all our shows, visit www.glmshows.com |
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