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NYIGF Offers Exclusive Exhibitor "Market Readiness" Webinars

Beginning in October, a monthly series of "Market Readiness" webinars — addressing marketing and selling strategies, tradeshow operations and lead follow-up — will be offered to companies exhibiting in the winter 2013 edition of the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF). Produced jointly by NYIGF and Right Angle Strategies, the series includes three pre-show webinars, one post-show webinar and free, one-on-one business consultations during NYIGF. 

"We want to do everything we can to help NYIGF exhibitors maximize the return on their tradeshow investment" said Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF director and GLM vice president. "Our partnership with Right Angle Strategies provides valuable 'before, during and after' training from industry veterans and experts." 

The webinars will be produced by NYIGF and Right Angle Strategies, a business strategy and coaching consultancy lead by gift and home industry veterans Stu Teller and Laura Blunt. As an added benefit, Right Angle Strategies will offer all webinar participants a free, in-booth, 15-minute business consultation at the winter 2013 NYIGF. 

Three pre-show webinars will focus on marketing, sales techniques and tradeshow operations. The fourth and final webinar, which will be held one week after NYIGF, will address market follow-up. 

The webinars are free for NYIGF exhibitors, and registration is available online at: nyigf.com/Exhibitors/ExhibitorEducation.aspx#registration.

Pets In The Spotlight At SuperZoo

A special report from Giftware News' columnist Marilyn Nason
 
Exhibitors and buyers at the annual SuperZoo Show in Las Vegas, September 10-13, were unanimous in predicting strong pet product 2012 holiday business. From the latest home decor-styled beds, food bowls and water dishes to the newest in dog and cat apparel and accessories, as well as fashionable print collars, leashes, harnesses and flexible carriers - the show seemed to offer something for everyone. This is important to retailers who indicated that their customers are now far more discriminating when it comes to pet products than in previous years. 

Formalwear for the dog from Road Wagz, Beverly Hills, CA, set the tone with fancy formal-styled luxury fabric tuxedo bowtie collar, button vest and matching socks in rich red/black patterns.

Oscar Newman, Batavia, IL, showed a casual dog sweater collection complete with matching squeaky toy, while Kool Tees, Deer Park, NY, offered matching t-shirts for both dogs and their adult owners featuring NFL and collegiate logos. Also in the NFL, NHL, NBA and collegiate logo vein were tees and accessories from Yellow Dog Designs, Greensboro, NC. 

Bow Wow Couture, Gainesville, FL, lived up to its name with durable hand-sewn bow-tie collars and matching leads in bright prints, plaids and solid patterns. Planet Dog, Westbrook, ME, zeroed right in on the upcoming holiday season with a special collection of Christmas-themed chompers shaped like colorful snowballs and tree bulbs. Also for Fido's holidays are classic plaid stockings with faux fur trim; squeaky gingerbread-shaped, snowman and slobber chews, perfect as stocking stuffers.

Humor and pets have long been a natural combination in everything from greeting cards, signs, plaques, place mats to garden flags, mugs, water bottles and glassware, with Westminster, CO-based All Natural Petchup and Meostard pet foods in familiar-styled bottle shapes getting a chuckle and ordering interest from buyers. 

When it comes to a hoodie for Fido, Hip Doggie Inc. Sherman Oaks, CA, showed off its patterned front-zippered washable model in conventional hoodie washed-grey tone. 

Most exhibitors and buyers surveyed indicated that today's consumers are focusing heavily on not only getting the perfect item for their pet from a visual, comfort and flexability/longevity standpoint but also they prefer eco-friendly and Made in America items when possible. This is similar to what retailers report as important considerations for today's entire home and lifestyle market. Here's some of what was displayed:

Earthy Tan SturdiTote by Sturdi Products

Home Alone (cat) by artist Gary Patterson from Chroma Graphics

Magnetic breakaway cat collar from P J Fox Mfg.

Muffin Halo's Guide for blind dogs

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Draws Attendees for Last-Minute Fall Buying

Dallas Market Center’s upcoming September Total Home & Gift Market, September 8-10, will offer attendees the opportunity to buy last-minute fall and winter merchandise, as well as get a head start on products for the coming spring retail season.

Available products range from home accessories, furniture, holiday and seasonal items to gourmet food, floral, stationery, toys, jewelry and fashion accessories. All temporaries will be on the 12th floor of the World Trade Center (WTC). Gift and Home FINDS will offer order-writing opportunities in addition to the Cash & Carry section of exhibitors, all on WTC 12. 

“September Market provides attendees the special opportunity to buy for multiple seasons at once,” said Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center. “We pride ourselves on our extensive product offerings and easy-to-shop marketplace, which creates a complete, convenient buying experience.” 

Special events during Market will educate and entertain. The exciting Discovery Tour: “Top Trends in Gifts & Decorative Accessories,” led by retail expert Rawlins Gilliland, will take place on Saturday, September 8 at 2 p.m. Those interested in attending should meet in the Hall of Nations, WTC 1st floor. 

Seminars include “Wrap it Up in a Gift Basket,” presented by Donna Price at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon on September 8 and 10 a.m. and noon on September 9 in the Hall of Nations, WTC 1st floor. Attendees will learn simple, affordable ways to create unique, fabulous gift baskets. 

Market Orientation Tours will be held September 8, 9 and 10 at 9 a.m. The tour will start in the New Business Room, WTC 156A. 

In addition to September Market, First Monday & Tuesday Mini-Markets being held October 1-2, November 5-6 and December 3-4 are available for buyers to fill in gaps in inventory and stock up for the holiday season. 

For more information, visit dallasmarketcenter.com.