Thursday, December 6, Giftware News
& Home Fashion had the opportunity to meet with Philippe Brocart.
Joining the discussion were Frederic Bougeard SAFI, Director
International Sales & Business Development Organizer of Maison et
Objet, Paris and Maison Et Object, Philippe Bazin, Promo Salon USA
located in NYC.
The group discussed Paris as
the gateway to Europe. It is a market of 500 million consumers, 10
million visitors each year visit Paris, and 2 million are trade
visitors. The relationship for Paris and New York is an important link.
Paris is legendary for fashion, the energy that grabs you — whereas NYC
is young, fresh and is always renewing itself.
Creation is not a word, ones
needs inspiration, to have a real experience. Brocart urged buyers to
come to Paris, the history, the inspiration, the lifestyle ideals. The
unique products that are only at the Maison et Objet show. This is a
real experience. It is the Art of living, the art of Creation, it is a
certain style of living. The show is not about categories but about
lifestyle experiences.
Later that evening, PREDA:
Paris Region Economic Development Agency hosted a unique presentation by
the Trend Forecasting Agency NellyRodi followed by a panel discussion
between Paris-based trade shows and American experts at the Consulate
General of France on 5th Avenue. Five major attitudes that are emerging
this season were presented.
Covered in the presentation
were story telling, the story behind ideas and creating new stories. The
senses were discussed as a reflection of life, the expression of all
lifestyle facets. Fun! Used as bringing lightness into the world. The
New Cool is definitely coming from the street cultural. Cool is the
Chic; self-expression through technology.
Connectivity - the world is
moving faster: what associations are there, who to trust, and being
generous with others worldwide in sharing new ideas and giving
opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
A special report from Giftware News' columnist Marilyn Nason
Having a Participatory Family
Fun area in your gift store year-round may sound far-fetched, but the
nearly 26,000 buyers attending the annual International Association of
Amusement Parks and Attractions in Orlando, FL, recently would beg to
differ.
Why? Think prizes, especially
oversized colorful plush figures, and what they have long meant to
everyone of every age visiting an amusement park, fair or carnival or
other event where you are challenged to compete for a prize.
For gift retailers constantly
seeking profitable ways to create inventory that will appeal to core
customers, displays among the more than 1100 booths at IAAPA Expo
underscored the consumer impact quality plush, toys and challenging
games have as the "prize" element in the continuing success of amusement
parks and attractions for every age-group.
Whether a gift retailer calls
its plush and/general toys/games section Participatory Family Fun or not
as the IAAPA industry does, the point is the same. Since amusement
parks appeal to every age, the need for an assortment of plush, toys,
games for their diverse customers is similar to the diverse core
customer base each gift retailer focuses on with every purchase order
from infant to senior.
Several exhibitors displayed
extensive, very elaborate 15-feet or more high, packed displays of plush
figures, many boasting t-shirts and caps for specific college and
professional teams, as well as licensed characters from comic books,
cartoons and movies favorite licensed figures.
For gift retailers struggling with
the perennial problem of gifts for boys and men, many of these plush
items were perfect to appeal to fans of all sports, as well as NASCAR,
Also included were team mascots, Star Trek and even Jason of "Friday the
13th." Many are also available in inflatable versions.
Several exhibitors indicated
camouflage shirts will soon be introduced for a variety of plush toys,
certain to appeal to boys and men in war games and military styles. Also
shown were mini-golf and portable putting greens, the latter small
enough to accommodate the tiniest backyard, deck, porch or office, as
well as meant to rollup for a vacation trip or a visit to Grandma's
backyard.
