Feb 10, 2016
Winter 2016 Windy City Gift Show brings new product resources, expanded fair trade, handcrafted offerings to Midwest marketplace

Reinforcing its position as the premier product resource for the Midwest market, the January 30-February 2, 2016 Windy City Gift Show at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, attracted buyers from every state in the region, including increasing numbers from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Joining the show’s top name manufacturers and sales representatives, the expanded exhibitor roster welcomed more than 60 new first-time exhibitors, a growing number of handcrafted and fair trade resources, and a brand new Gourmet section featuring diverse food and beverage offerings reflecting the popular tastes of the Midwest region.

Putting a special spotlight on the show’s many handcrafted resources, retailers had the opportunity to vote for their favorite product from the “Makers’ Market” section, naming Diane Kaufman Designs Windy City Gift Show Best Maker for Winter 2016.

“From orders and booth traffic to new product discoveries and business connections, the feedback we’ve received from exhibitors and buyers alike on the show’s 5th edition certainly reinforces our belief that it is filling a much-needed void in the Midwest marketplace,” said Stacey Barrett-Brooks, show director, Windy City Gift Show.

Tailored to the buying interests of the region’s retailers, the show’s expanding selection delighted in the Gift, Gourmet, Makers Market and Live In Style categories.

“The show has significantly expanded over the last year,” said Judy Rancour, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, Missouri. “We found a number of items at the Windy City Gift Show that we haven’t seen anywhere else, including new gourmet food vendors.”

“The winter 2016 show was the best one to date,” added Rose Ullrich, CZS, Brookfield, Illinois. “There was a great variety of products. We especially enjoyed the Fair Trade suppliers.”

Exhibitors also felt retailer enthusiasm for the versatile selection. “I was overwhelmed by the response of buyers at the Windy City Gift Show,” said Karen Torres, Tulia’s Artisan Gallery, Chicago. “I will definitely be exhibiting in the show again.”

In addition to the product offerings, the show also featured a number of programs and promotions, including educational seminars, parking reimbursement for pre-registered buyers, discounted hotel rates, goody bag giveaways, and show specials.

The next edition of the Windy City Gift Show will be held August 6-9, 2016 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.




Social Connections


📣 Meet our speakers! 📣The Garden Center Show, presented by Lawn & Garden Retailer, is excited to announce our Keynote Speakers! 📣 Michelle Sherrier: Owner of MC Design Academy and host of The Retail Whore Podcast📣 Tim Quebedeaux: Owner of RetailKPI and Service Provider for The Garden Center GroupBe sure to check them out, along with our full, FREE conference schedule for The Garden Center Show, Aug. 6-7 in Rosemont, IL.🔗 Register for FREE: LGRMag.com/GCSRegister🌐 Learn more: www.gardencentershow.com🚌 Bus tour info: lgrmag.com/LGRBusTour#GCS24 #GardenCenterShow #GardenEvents #InPersonEvent #Networking #RetailStrategies #SpecialtyRetailers #GardenCenter #Conference #speaker #keynotespeaker ... See MoreSee Less
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