Northwest Retailers Discover More New Trends And Products At The Sold Out Portland Gift & Accessories Show®

Furniture World Magazine

Northwest retailers attending the 142nd semi-annual Portland Gift & Accessories Show June 15-18, 2002, were able to discover more new trends and products during this sold out event. Artisans new to the wholesale market, new manufacturers and nationally recognized lines premiered at the June market—giving buyers an early edge of having their inventory before the summer order rush. This summer market provided the perfect venue—with over 580 booths—for nearly 6,000 attendees to preview "must have" items for the fourth quarter season. Well-known companies such as Katherine’s Collection, S & S Sarna and Big Stuff made their debut in Portland solidifying the importance of this market. "Retailers attending the June 15-18,2002 Portland Gift & Accessories Show® were delighted to find so many product options. Exhibitors, in turn, were able to connect with a buying community that is very loyal to this market—many of our attendees do not attend other national shows and rely strictly on this semi-annual event for their inventory needs," said David Gilfoyle, Show Manager of the Portland Gift & Accessories Show, Western Exhibitors, LLC. "We were encouraged by the comments we heard from exhibitors as many were able to make contacts they otherwise would have missed. There were many new accounts open, and we predict a strong event for the January 11-14, 2003 market," continued Gilfoyle. "Our attendance at the June 15-18, 2002 market surpassed the event in June 2001. We are confident that our emphasis on sales and marketing were the reasons we had such a strong show—despite a slowdown on Father’s Day," stated Mike Dean, President of Western Exhibitors, LLC . "In response to our exhibitor advisory committee, we have met with the Oregon Convention Center to ensure that future summer markets take place prior to Father’s Day, graduations and before the busy tourist season begins," added Dean. Post Show Statistics Number of Exhibiting Companies: 375 Number of Booths: 583 Net Square Footage: 56,100 Buyer Attendance: 5,964 Retail Store Attendance: 3,084 Future Market Dates: The 143rd semi-annual Portland Gift & Accessories Show® will take place January 11-14, 2003, at the Oregon Convention Center. The Show, produced by Western Exhibitors, LLC will feature The Northwest Craft Gallery; The Vintage Collection: Antiques and Found Objects; FoodFocus; Gifts & Collectibles; Personal Care; Home and Decorative Accessories; The Jewelry Vaultsm; Souvenirs & Novelty; Floral and Garden Accessories; and much more.