JULY 2011 CALIFORNIA GIFT SHOW® CULMINATES IN A STRONG MARKET PERFORMANCE
Refreshed, California-centric positioning along with increased traffic, healthy order-writing, innovative product concepts and authoritative presentations set stage for 2012 expectations.
By the California Gift Show
LOS ANGELES, CA (August 15, 2011) - MMPI and California Gift Show® (CGS) report a robust Market experience with positive indicators on multiple fronts defining an encouraging CGS trajectory. The show's California-centric focus delivered, in a uniquely L.A experiential manner, a broad array of new and on-trend merchandise across all of the most popular, volume generating categories. More than 10,000 lines from over 1,200 temporary exhibitors and permanent showrooms, at two dynamic venues, provided buyers a myriad of product offerings, with emphasis on the region's emerging product designers, artists and craftsmen.
"We are extremely pleased with the performance of this July Market," said Jeff Sampson, vice president marketing L.A. Mart/CGS/L.A. Mart Design Center. "Placing greater import on California as our brand position differentiated the overall show experience, emphasizing the significance of this region to the gift industry and beyond. Redefining CGS as a celebration of California style and innovation supports our permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors as they continue to present innovative concepts in the most sought-after categories with the modern retailer in-mind."
A 24% increase in traffic over July 2010 reinforced the strength of CGS and the California marketplace as a unique and highly desirous resource destination among buyers from across the country and around the globe. Attendees from as far east as New York and Boston in the Northeast, to Atlanta and Miami in the South, joined buyers from New Orleans, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas and more, representing 42 U.S. states seeking what only CGS can offer.International attendees in search of California's mystique were also present in force. North American neighbors in Canada and Mexico shopped side-by-side Pacific Rim buyers from Hawaii, Auckland, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul, as well as Middle East retailers from Dubai and Kuwait.
From high-end corporate brands to boutique independent retail shops, CGS served as a must-stop Market for such best-in-class retailers as Forever 21, Fred Segal, Hallmark Corp., Knott's Berry Farm, Vons, Whole Foods Market, Williams Sonoma Home, Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Bloomingdale's, Firefly, Harvard Museum Of Natural History, Kaiser Permanente, Kitson, Ritz Carlton Hotel, University Of Southern California, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Universal Studios, Warner Bros Studios, Bel Air Country Club, Disney Consumer Products, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Four Seasons Hotel, H&M Enterprises, Paramount Pictures, Ross Stores, San Diego Zoo, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Target.Com, TJ Max Companies, Vroman's/Book Soup and Wynn Resorts among others.
"This vigorous uptick in traffic and vitality of buyer, in light of continued economic challenges, further demonstrate the value of California Gift Show as a Market of strategic importance to the buying trade," said Mark Furlet, vice president of Gift & Home, MMPI. "As consumers become ever-more informed and discriminating in their purchasing habits, retailers are sourcing unique products with greater intelligence. CGS is their entrée to manufacturers known worldwide and to the innovations for which California is renowned."
FOCUS ON CALIFORNIA + PRODUCTS + EDUCATION + EVENTS
California Bespoke - a gallery-inspired design showcase debuted one-of-a-kind, limited edition and new-to-market furnishings, home accessories, hand-crafted objects and original works of art from the region's next generation of design tastemakers. Curated by contributors from The Editor At Large ... Vanessa Kogevinas, Marisa Marcantonio, Jason Oliver Nixon and Jennie Nunn ... California Bespoke was brought to life against a sophisticated, three-dimensional backdrop inspired by the diverse natural terrain of the region as conceived by interior designer Christopher Gaona.
Destination L.A.: Pop-Up Case Studies - four conceptual exhibitions located in the main entry aisle of LACC's South Hall featured Los Angeles-based product artisans demonstrating how their innovative products are made and used. Hysteric Haus, SKULLASTIC, Dollhouse Republic/Better Than Naked, and Velvet Rope Bake Shop represented show categories (home décor, stationery, fashion accessories and gourmet), offering buyers the opportunity to experience and source their offerings in a fresh, compelling format.
Extreme Art Challenge, presented by L.A. Art Machine - Located in LACC's atrium, Los Angeles' urban artists Hans Haveron, John Park, Mear One and Abcnt competed in a dynamic performance-art challenge where large scale art installations were painted to reflect California culture as attendees made their arrival to South Hall Gift and Kentia Global Marketplace.
Fred Segal: A California Success Story - Owner/designer of Fred Segal Originals, Annie Segal presented to a captivated audience how the family-owned, multi-generational business grew from a Los Angeles concept emporium to international retail icon. According to Segal, "having great product" is key to success. Segal followed-up " ... that when times are bad, it's the perfect opportunity to create something new."
Editors' Panel: Retailer Business Review - Editors-in-Chiefs Caroline Kennedy of Gifts & Decorative Accessories, Jenny-Heinzen York of Home Accents Today and Design & Style Editor Krissa Rossbund of Traditional Home engaged in a dynamic dialogue moderated by Marisa Marcantonio of Editor-at-Large and Stylebeat.com. The powerhouse panel addressed the new generation of empowered consumers, offering insights on fresh, relevant products, marketing, and merchandising, helping the modern retailer stay ahead of the curve.
Styled for Success: Perfecting the Accessorized Space - Traditional Home's Krissa Rossbund shared fresh merchandising and accessorizing tips that captivate and sell, including space planning and vignetting that integrate accessories, table-top, wall art, florals, textiles, and more. A reception with Ms. Rossbund celebrating the debut of L.A. Mart Design Center's new Designer Lounge followed.
World Style Stories - A special presentation recognizing five inspirational exhibitor essays recalling the journey each Kentia Global Marketplace exhibitor traveled in creating the products they've made, as well as the positive impact on the people and communities served by these international craftsmen. The honored list included SPIRAL Foundation | Healing the Wounded Heart Project, Project Have Hope, Good Paper, Heavenly Treasures and Dunitz & Company, Inc.
Two's Company Celebration - A ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception for the industry titan celebrating their long-term lease renewal and showroom redesign. Tom Zimmerman, vice president marketing and sales, welcomed buyers for a champagne reception. For nearly 30 years, Two's Company has served the West Coast gift and design communities from its L.A. Mart address.
HEARD AT MARKET
Tom Zimmerman, vice president sales & marketing for Two's Company made the L.A./California connection clear. "Our day-to-day business is stronger in Los Angeles than anywhere else in the country," said Zimmerman, on the heels of the brand's recent multi-year re-commitment to L.A. Mart.
"The success we have experienced thanks to L.A. Mart's ability to drive trade traffic substantiates our recommitment to MMPI and the marketplace."Stephen Young, principal of his eponymously named showroom, shared, "I've seen a nice, healthy jump in traffic. Every day has been busy. We had a lot to talk to buyers about, keeping them in the showroom longer."
Daniele Semeraro of Sempli enthusiastically expressed, "This show is our worldwide debut! We just started the business in January and decided to launch at L.A. Mart's Beckman's Handcrafted Show. The traffic has been steady and we are getting a great response from the buyers, designers and media who have stopped by."
Kevin Ebert, assistant director of operations for Harvard Museum of National History furthered the California advantage. "This is our fifth year coming to L.A. Five years ago we found our best-selling product ever at the L.A. Mart. We continue to buy it and it continues to sell very well. We don't even bother with the shows on the East Coast anymore, everything is the same. We see different, fresh and unique merchandise here at the California Gift Show."
For a complete listing of CGS show information, please visit: www.californiagiftshow.com.
ABOUT L.A. MART and CALIFORNIA GIFT SHOW
L.A. Mart® is a registered trademark of MMPI. The California Gift Show® is a registered trademark of MMPI. Beckman's Handcrafted Show(TM) L.A. is a registered trademark of MMPI. L.A. Mart is home to nearly 200 permanent year-round, residential, decorative accessory and gift showrooms serving the retail and interior design industries.
The California Gift Show Temporaries feature over 800 temporary exhibitors of lifestyle merchandise, home décor and furnishings, in the newly enhanced and expanded Temporaries at L.A. Mart and Los Angeles Convention Center, making the California Gift Show the preeminent market for gift and home furnishings products on the West Coast. L.A. Mart is located at 1933 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007.
For more information call 213-763-5800 or visit www.californiagiftshow.com or www.lamart.com.MMPI is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space.
MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.
MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 W. Mart Center in Chicago; Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; Boston Design Center in Boston; L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.
Vornado Realty Trust, owner of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust. Vornado's common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.
Showing posts with label california gift show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label california gift show. Show all posts
Gifts and home decor at California Gift Show
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New to Los Angeles Convention Center, The Editor At Large curated exhibition, California Bespoke introduces to buyers a gallery-inspired design showcase presenting one-of-a-kind, limited edition and new-to-market home fashions, accessories, hand-crafted objects and original works of art from the region’s next generation of design tastemakers. Following is a sample of gifts and accessories to be exhibited there. (Descriptions and photos courtesy of California Gift Show.)
Textile Treasures introduces a very special, Qing Dynasty Zhaung baby carrier, an heirloom over 100 years old. Qing Dynasty Zhaung baby carrier was made by the TuZu Zhang minority group from Wenshang County, Yunnan Province, China. Exquisite carrier with dramatic raised, soiled white piled stitched spiral shapes; infill and side strips of intricate gold foil couched beaten cloth appliqué including coins; bottom bordered with fancy chain knotted stitch of floral design on red silk 24”x23” (not including black carrier); this heirloom item is over 100 years old Such baby carriers are very hard to find in good condition and of this quality; Textile Treasures carries other one-of-a-kind pieces that are similar. CGS Location: Kentia Global Marketplace, Los Angeles Convention Center
CGS Location: Joanne & Company, Suite 340, L.A. Mart
www.calebandcarmen.com CGS Location: California Bespoke Exhibit, South Hall, Los Angeles Convention Center
Toss Designs introduces the Magnificent Vineyard Tote, The perfectly stylish every day tote! One interior zipped and two exterior front pockets keep you organized. Zip closure. The vinyl covering wipes clean. Since 2004, the girls at Toss have been living and breathing handbags! With a flair for fashion and an eye for detail, Toss has become the authority on totes, travel bags and all accessories in between. Design house located in California. www.tossdesigns.com CGS Location: Remembrance, Suite 360, L.A. Mart
Grandway Honduras introduces Red Cherry Gloveables, waterproof gloves unlike any ordinary kitchen glove. The perfect way to protect your hands while still being fashionable and comfortable – Gloveables brand gloves are ideal for cleaning, dish washing, gardening, and anything else that could spoil a manicure. www.grandwayhonduras.com CGS Location: Showroom 504 On 3/Cina Hodges, Suite 304, L.A. Mart
Samuel Price Art features “Anita,” an eco-friendly 24"x30"collage on canvas (2010). Samuel Price is a self trained artist from San Francisco, California. Price creates stylized contemporary designs using donated recycled magazines to assemble his paper collage. He has been creating collage portraits for over ten years resulting in a wide body of original artwork for sale and commission. Samuel Price Art is new to the California Gift Show. www.samuelpriceart.com
Gated Distribution, Inc. brings its Reva Expanding Flower Vase to CGS for the first time. Reva is ultra-portable and convenient, use it again and again, or recycle it. Great for bulk purchases for parties, banquets and religious celebrations; it is durable, stable and shatterproof - kid and pet safe. Ideal for gifting flowers on any occasion! Reva™ is environmentally friendly - RECYCLABLE #1; no PVC; much less energy & fuel used during production and transportation compared to traditional glass & ceramic vases. This product/line is new to the California Gift Show; company is Southern California based. CGS Location: South Hall #2536, Los Angeles Convention Center
Irons & Duck showcases its Saw Horse Shelving unit made from an original saw horse discovered locally on location in Los Angeles. Three shelves fabricated using local metal and workmanship. www.ironsandduck.com CGS Location: Beckman’s Handcrafted Show, Booth 633, L.A. Mart.
Chehoma is the Belgian maker of gorgeous home accents and embellishments, making their West Coast debut at the Stephen Young showroom. Their designers bring a unique sense of whimsy and charm into all of their items. From decorative notions like ornaments, to candle holders and picture frames, Chehoma’s pieces are both unique and beautiful. CGS Location: Stephen Young, Suite 830, 839, L.A. Mart
Geared for Imagination introduces its Ze Super Heroes, hero friends whose super powers and problems blend. They are for all ages; detachable cape comforter; pouch to store little treasures; 8.5 inches tall. Geared for Imagination is an Ohio-based creator and distributor of high-quality products for kids and 'kidults'. Through a network of retail outlets around the United States, including gift shops, toy stores, museum shops and many more types of retailers, the company strives to deliver the kinds of products that they want their own kids to play with. Products are "Driven by Design, Powered by Play". Geared for Imagination was founded in 2009 by two dads, Ryan Hamilton (2 daughters, 1 son) and Bret Faber (1 daughter, 1 son). Their many years in the toy business and their experience as fathers help them find only the best products to bring to market. www.gearedforimagination.com CGS Location: new to Anne McGilvray & Company, Suite 345, L.A. Mart
Jellycat, the British design-led soft toy company based in London brings Scruff Pup to CGS. Their quirky creatures and accessories are a big hit in Europe, where they are perceived more as fashion accessories than soft toys, and are becoming increasingly collectible. Jellycat wants to influence people’s lives, really making them smile as they buy and they believe their animals do just that. www.jellycat.com
CGS Location: Stephen Young, Suites 830, 839, L.A. Mart
The Little Acorn brings its Best Friends placemats and Little Acorn Rugs to CGS for the very first time. This San Francisco based company brings a fresh spin on children’s décor – offering wall art, pillows and other decorative items. Desiring for every child to grow up happy, Little Acorn incorporates educational messages within each finely designed product. Hand-hooked 100% virgin wool, rugs feature new yarn technique that minimizes shedding (safer for young children and easier to care for); latex free, cotton-duck backing. CGS Location: South Hall #2201, Los Angeles Convention Center
Tina Frey Designs of San Francisco are designers and makers of a collection of useful everyday objects and jewelry in resin available in a variety of delicious colors around the world. The pieces in the collection are hand sculpted by Tina Frey. Sculpting starts with an idea that is cohesive with the rest of the collection. Inspirations for the designs come from many things: The shapes are inspired by organic forms in nature and objects found in travels around the world. Featured is the medium pedestal in pink. www.tinafreydesigns.com CGS Location: California Bespoke Exhibit, South Hall, Los Angeles Convention Center
Thomas O'Brien to speak at the L.A. Mart
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| Thomas O'Brien |
L.A. Mart Design Center and the California Gift Show are proud to announce that celebrated interiors and product designer Thomas O’Brien will give this January Market’s keynote presentation on Friday, January 21, 2011.
O’Brien, who has made appearances at several L.A. Mart Design Center events, will discuss his design philosophy and his book, American Modern, a survey of seven of his most influential projects ranging from traditional to modern in style. A books signing and reception follows the presentation.
Thomas O’Brien has made a career of translating cool notions of modernism into an easy and generous array of modern styles. His traditional-to-modern design philosophy defines an eponymous brand of new-classic home furnishings, with furniture, lighting, tableware, textiles, carpets, and bedding and bath collections, for both fine and daily living. In addition, O’Brien is widely recognized for his popular Thomas O’Brien Vintage Modern collection for Target. His work has been featured in endless publications including Elle Decor, House & Garden, House Beautiful, Metropolitan Home, Town & Country, The New York Times and Architectural Digest, among others.
"We are extremely pleased that Thomas will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Market,” said Jeff Sampson, vice president marketing, L.A. Mart Design Center. “Year-round we dedicate ourselves to being the very best resource to southern California’s design community. Bringing design luminaries like O’Brien to our designers in addition to the unique, new-to-market products from our permanent showrooms and temporary gift exhibitors extends our value exponentially.”
DESIGNSTUDIO is one of those market resources. A vast array of sources for the interior designer as well as the retailer who carries home furnishings once again debuts at L.A. Mart’s 2nd Floor Exhibition Hall this January. “With floor coverings, lighting, antiques, tabletop décor, contemporary and classic furniture, as well as a varied selection of both au courant and traditional artwork, DESIGNSTUDIO will prove to be a valuable tool for designers and buyers who are searching for a new and unique selection of merchandise for the home,” said Frank Joens, Vice President, Sales, California Gift Show.
Special Design Center programming on Friday, January 21:
Thomas O'Brien Keynote Presentation
11:00 a.m. - noon
Location: L.A Mart, California Room, 2nd floor
Thomas O’Brien Booksigning and Reception
(Books will be available for purchase at the on-site Book Soup kiosk)
12:00 noon
Location: L.A. Mart, 2nd Floor Exhibition Hall
Thomas O’Brien Designer reception hosted by Haptor Barrett showroom
2 p.m. Meet & Greet with Thomas O’Brien
Thomas O’Brien Introduces his Library Collection for Hickory Chair, a new collection inspired by his own home in Long Island and created to celebrate his tenth anniversary with the company. Location: Haptor Barrett Suite 1104
Saturday Special: Tradeshow Exhibitors & Social Media
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Trade shows and social media are made for each other.
Shows consist of you, your product and your customers. Social media allow you to share this information.
Shows consist of you, your product and your customers. Social media allow you to share this information.
It's important to document the event. Besides your booth, the one key piece of equipment to take is a digital camera with video and voice recording capabilities. I've covered hundreds of trade shows from the media side. My digital camera has become as indispensable as pen and paper.
With this camera, you are creating the raw material for your social media and traditional marketing efforts. You will use the photos, videos and sounds you record for:
With this camera, you are creating the raw material for your social media and traditional marketing efforts. You will use the photos, videos and sounds you record for:
- Your website
- Your blog
- Flickr (or other photo-sharing site)
- YouTube account
- Press releases
- Internal sales presentations
- E-mail newsletters
- Brochures
- Advertising
What should you shoot? You have to think like a newsman. Ask yourself: What interests my customers? What do I want my sales staff to know about my products? What story do I want to tell the media?
Assign someone on your staff to be the official photographer. Create a list of shots you must have. This might include: booth set up; products; ribbon cutting; award presentations (to customers or to staff); and customer interaction.
Think about what each of the social medium needs; that is, photos for Flickr and press releases; video for blog and website.
If you plan ahead, you will return from the trade show with six-months worth of material. The next step is to share that information.
Feeling overwhelmed? I'm available to help tell your story. Give me a call.
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