Apr 22, 2016

Friday opening, new alliances, regional specialties headline Summer 2016 Windy City Gift Show

Moving to a Friday-Sunday date pattern, the August 12-14, 2016 Windy City Gift Show continues to build upon its product offerings and industry partnerships as it enters its 6th Edition. From promotional alliances with the Market Xchange permanent showroom building, Fair Trade Federation, Urban Craft Uprising, The Grommet and RangeMe to special spotlights on local artisans, the show offers a one-stop resource for Midwest retailers.

“Our summer show campaign, ‘Shop Local. Stand Out,’ captures the essence of what this show is all about,” said Stacey Barrett-Brooks, show director, Windy City Gift Show. “We know retailers have a choice when it comes to attending trade shows. We’ve worked to create a show that is truly custom-tailored to the Midwest retailer’s customer base. From those staple lines and best sellers to local makers and other regional specialties, we’re bringing together resources they just won’t find at other shows. And it’s all right here, close to home, easy to get to and cost-effective to visit.”

Summer 2016 highlights Include:

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR FRESH, NEW ITEMS

The summer 2016 show will be a one-stop shop for retailers looking for fresh new products, regional specialties and artisan designs. To maximize the buying experience, retailers can shop an easy-to-work show floor with product categories, including Gifts, Makers’ Market, Live In Style and Gourmet — all custom-tailored to the Midwest region.

NEW! URBAN CRAFT UPRISING PAVILION

This August, retailers will find more handcrafted, artisan designs than ever before with the introduction of the Urban Craft Uprising Pavilion. Showcasing the work of artisans from Seattle’s largest indie craft show — the new pavilion will bring fun, eclectic styles from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest — offering retailers a wide range of handcrafted products, in an array of styles.

MARKET XCHANGE OFFERINGS

In addition to the tremendous selection buyers will see at the Windy City Gift Show, they can also explore the new intros and great lines from the DNA Sales, and! Sales, Excelsior Marketing, and Kurt Adler showrooms at the Market Xchange building located nearby at 2400 Devon Ave, Des Plaines, Il 60018. Both venues will honor the other’s admission badges and complimentary shuttle service will be available.

FAIR TRADE FEDERATION RETAILER SYMPOSIUM | AUGUST 12-13, 2016

The Fair Trade Federation Retailer Symposium will be held in conjunction with the summer Windy City Gift Show. An ideal complement to the growing number of fair trade resources on the show floor, this symposium offers a unique opportunity for fair trade retailers to learn from the experts. The two-day workshop will focus on tips and tricks retailers need to know to run a successful fair trade retail store. Look for more information coming soon.

FRIDAY AND SUNDAY SPOTLIGHTS

To call attention to the new show schedule, buyers can look for special promotions on these show days, including show floor hospitality on Friday and “Stay For The Last Day” highlights on Sunday. Look for more information coming soon.

GOODY BAG GIVEAWAY

The first 100 stores to arrive at the show on Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13 will receive a special tote bag and a list of exhibitors to visit to receive a free gift!

SHOW SPECIALS & AMENITIES

Buyers can take advantage of show amenities, including parking reimbursement at the Rosemont Parking Garage, show specials offered by exhibitors such as product discounts, free freight and more. Plus, buyers who present their show badge at participating Rosemont area restaurants will receive special dining offers.

BEYOND THE SHOW FLOOR: RANGEME, THE GROMMET

The Windy City Gift Show has teamed up for special alliances with online platforms — RangeMe and The Grommet — bringing retailers more resources than ever before. The Grommet, a product launch platform, finds unique and undiscovered products and helps promote them to consumers and retailers through their online platform. The Grommet will feature a booth on the floor, offering the perfect complement to the show’s Makers’ Market section. For complete details visit wholesale.thegrommet.com. RangeMe gives buyers a way to discover innovative products and connect with exhibitors before and after the show. Retailers can click here for more details.

EASY EXPRESSPASS REGISTRATION & PARKING REBATE

Buyers are encouraged to take advantage of the show’s easy online ExpressPass registration. Simply log on and complete the application to receive the ExpressPass via email to bring to the show and scan with our onsite readers to quickly print out admission badge(s) upon arrival. When they pre-register for the Summer 2016 Windy City Gift Show ExpressPass, buyers can also receive a parking reimbursement (up to $15/day) at the Rosemont Parking Garage.