Quality was the key measure of success for companies participating in the winter debut of NY NOW™, the Market for Home + Lifestyle (formerly NYIGF®), February 1-6, 2014. Many exhibitors among the market’s total 2,500 reported strong order writing, most notably from new accounts and large retailers, despite two winter storms and the overlap of the 2014 Super Bowl.
“NY NOW had several very strong days of attendance – particularly on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday – and buyers who made it to New York City and to the Market were here to shop,” said Christian Falkenberg, NY NOW director and GLM senior vice president. “Exhibitors reported seeing their key accounts and making new connections with both domestic and international buyers.”
NY NOW attendees represented all 50 states and 74 countries, with Canada, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Columbia, Australia, and the United Kingdom representing the top sources of international visitors. “A lot of international buyers stopped by, and we expanded many connections, not just with the USA, but with the world,” noted first time HANDMADE Designer Maker exhibitor Dominik Kowalik of Dominik Woods. “We are from the west coast and wanted to connect more with the east coast. It’s been really positive.”
Many exhibitors experienced specific days of strong order-writing from quality accounts, which resulted in overall success for the week. “This show has been absolutely fantastic for us,” said HOME Collection exhibitor Kathryn McCoy of Kathryn McCoy Design. “We worked with over 80 stores on Sunday, and Tuesday was non-stop. This show is tremendous for our business.”
NY NOW LIFESTYLE exhibitor Rachel Clapp of Harry Barker, agreed, “We’ve had a lot of traffic despite the weather. We’ve seen our current customer base as well as new customers and also few international buyers. It has been a good mix.”
A five-day schedule of educational and social programming supplemented market activities, with more than 40 educational sessions, industry social events, product awards and feature displays. The seminar series, sponsored by industry publications and associations, covered topics such as design and color trends, social media and online marketing, merchandising and retail strategies, and importing. Industry events included the Gift For Life 22nd Anniversary “Party for Life” Fundraiser, the 2014 Housewares Design Awards Gala & Ceremony, and a NY NOW “Night On Broadway,” featuring MOTOWN THE MUSICAL.
Market activities also included recognition of innovative product design through category-specific award programs, including the Baby + Child, Gourmet Housewares, Home Textiles and Personal Care + Wellness Best New Product Awards. During the Market “People’s Choice” online balloting determined The Savora Colander by Lifetime Brands as Best of HOME, and the Spherovelo By Vici Enterprises as Best of LIFESTYLE.
World Liberty TV, Team was on hand to cover new products on the market, as well as conduct vendor interviews, see the new products and what the vendors had to say about them.
Also our team was on hand to cover the Housewares Design Awards, see who were the winners of these awards.
