First phase of NYIGF strategic plan to be unveiled this summer

-- Home Accents Today, 4/27/2010 8:08:00 AM

Three key components of a three-year "Focus Forward NYIGF 2013" strategic plan will be implemented in time for the August 2010 New York International Gift Fair.

Changes include the introduction of a new Baby & Child division, the return of New York's Newest, the reorganization of Handmade into two distinct categories -- Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade Global Design -- and first-time use of the new Javits Center North exhibit hall. NYIGF will present some 2,800 exhibitors - from Aug. 14-19 - at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 & 94.

"These exciting changes mark the start of NYIGF's evolution into the defining marketplace for fashion-forward and design-driven home, gift and lifestyle resources," said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. "As part of our three-year strategic plan, buyers can more easily source and shop a depth and breadth of complementary categories."

Baby & Child, a new jury-selected specialty products division, will debut at the summer 2010 NYIGF, with a comprehensive collection of well-designed, sophisticated and purpose-driven products for children 0-10. The division includes a strong assortment of quality suppliers, including leading brands relocating into Baby & Child from other NYIGF divisions, an influx of companies returning to the market to be part of this focused presentation and first-time participation by exciting new lines. The category mix features apparel, accessories, toys, books, games, gear and furnishings.

New York's Newest will return to the Fair this summer at Pier 92, presenting some 200 exhibiting companies across all product categories. Participants include established resources participating for the first-time in NYIGF, as well as young companies making their gift market debut. Among the trend-focused lines expected are eco-friendly products, fair-trade products, pet products and personal accessories such as jewelry and bags.

Handmade, an extensive, juried selection of cross-category handcrafted items, celebrates its 25th anniversary this summer with a notable increase in the quality and quantity of participating artisans. The creation of two separate collections, Handmade Designer Maker and Handmade Global Design, classifies artisans by process and provenance with renewed focus on superior design and craftsmanship. Global Design features 200 international resources that combine sophisticated design with traditional artisanal techniques; and Designer Maker showcases 360 limited-production makers - across all categories and in all media - from around the world. Handmade Designer Maker will make its debut in the new Javits Center North, a purpose-built 40,000-sq.-ft. exhibit space, with a ribbon-cutting and cocktail reception on Saturday, Aug. 14.