GIFT AND HOME RETAILER NEWS
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Experience Is Key at Winter Shows

Semi-annual Trade Show Issue

Twice a year this newsletter focuses on Gift & Home industry trade shows. While trade shows may happen any month of the year, general there is a concentration in Winter and Summer.

Because retail buyers have a variety of avenues through which to find products for their stores from vendor websites to online marketplaces to social media, trade shows are emphasizing "experience," something online sources can't easily match. In this issue we'll take a look at how three major shows are emphasizing the value of experiencing trade shows in person.

A Seminar at Atlanta Mart's Casual Market
(Photo by Atlanta Market.)

Atlanta Must-See Muses

AmericasMart Atlanta (Jan. 14-20, 2025) will debut "Elevate Outdoor – Designer Experience," a new day-long program designed to orient and educate designers on business opportunities in casual and outdoor furnishings through educational sessions, interactive events, amenities and exclusive incentives, on Thurs., Jan. 16.

During Market, attendees at the Atlanta Mart's Winter Market can enjoy a cooking demo, engaging seminars and lively celebrations that enrich the creative sourcing process.

The Market Kickoff Party celebrates the Winter 2025 season on Wed., Jan. 17, in the Atrium in Bldg. 3. Bldg. 2, Floor 8 is home to the gourmet demonstration kitchen, presenting interactive cooking experiences during Market. A series of impactful design- and business-driven seminars, including LUXE’s presentation of the Ahead of the Curve panel on Fri., Jan. 17, will be offered during Market.

The ( A ) List returns with industry influencers identifying what’s in for 2025, along with an ( A ) List display to showcase trends spotted around Market.

A full list of education, events and amenities is be available at AtlantaMarket.com/Events in the coming weeks. Atlanta Market social media ( @AmericasMartATL ) provides up-to-date information on influencer first finds, Market parties and new products.

The Market Planner, ANDMORE’s web-based planning tool that launched in Summer 2024, is an additional outlet to assist in pre-show mapping and strategy.

Dallas Influencers, Icons and Inspiring Content

In Dallas, the events schedule for the January markets (Jan. 8-14) is packed full of influencers, icons, experts, and inspiring content. The full schedule is available on the Dallas Market Center website and app.

The Keynote Fri., Jan. 10 at 10am in the World Trade Center Atrium will be iconic fashion designer, entrepreneur, and television personality Tan France in conversation with renowned interior designer Cara Fox, of The Fox Group. They will discuss building Tan’s dream home in the picturesque landscape of Utah, sharing their design preferences and vision.

Speaking of Retail, a Wednesday-to-Friday series of sessions, will be honest and open exchanges to generate ideas and plans for 2025. Presented by Dallas Market Center, Coco & Dash Home, and ART at noon in the new Textile Salon, IHDC 2F215. Lunch is provided! RSVP Here.

Listen in as top retail experts share insights on leveraging strengths and resolving conflicts while exploring the unique challenges and benefits of working with family. "Family Ties, Navigating Family Dynamics in Business Ownership" panelists include Teddie & Courtney Garrigan of Coco & Dash and Kathy Adams, Kelly Clark, and Kristy Adams of Kathy Adams Furniture.

Focusing on using design to tell a brand’s story and captivate customers, "Visual Storytelling, Merchandising & Creating Spaces that Engage" panelists include: Teddie & Courtney Garrigan of Coco & Dash, Laura Hodges of Domain by Laura Hodges Studio and Kenneth Ludwig of Kenneth Ludwig Chicago.

Retail experts share experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges in a studio-based design business with the demands of a physical store environment. "Studio to Storefront, Making the Journey from Design to Brick & Mortar" panelists include: Teddie & Courtney Garrigan of Coco & Dash; Susan Hoechner of Barbara Stewart Interiors and Jamie Merida of Bountiful Home.

Las Vegas: A Reimagined Market Experience

The Winter 2025 edition of Las Vegas Market (Jan. 26–30, 2025)combines a reimagined Market experience and a partnership with the industry’s leading cohort of entrepreneurs.

“Las Vegas Market continues to set the standard for innovation and engagement, and the Winter 2025 edition is no exception,” said Karen Olson, ANDMORE℠ executive vice president and chief marketing officer. “With a combination of well-loved and new-to-Market elements supplementing sourcing, we’re offering an immersive experience that makes Las Vegas a lively and unforgettable Market.”

As part of a creative partnership with Create & Cultivate, an online platform and conference for small business owners, Las Vegas Market features a full day of educational and networking events on Mon., Jan. 27, in the World Market Center Courtyard. Create & Cultivate Business Bootcamp: 60 Minute Q&A with Jaclyn Johnson, founder, and CEO Marina Middleton helps understand their journeys and provide lessons and advice for entrepreneurs at 1 p.m. Personal Branding with Marina Middleton explores branding essentials to create a strong digital presence at 2:15 p.m., and the Marketing Masterclass follows Johnson and Middleton through a hands-on marketing workshop designed to elevate campaigns and explore strategies at 3:15 p.m. A Happy Hour with complimentary drinks and treats combines with a mix and mingle opportunity at 4 p.m.

Las Vegas Market will also feature nightly themed parties in the courtyard and enhanced market moments during the day.

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Quick Industry News

TRADE SHOW NEWS

Virtual Trade Show Is Live

Once again, OmegaNet, publisher of this newsletter, is conducting a VIRTUAL trade show at giftshowspecials.com where you can view information, images and videos from vendors about their lines and see their trade show dates, locations and specials.

 

Featured Vendors

indicates a CAMEO EZ^© web site.

Ala Carte Alice
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Ala Carte Alice's mission is simple: to provide the best products and service to their customers and use the freshest ingredients that they can find. Alice Wooten takes great pride in her company, their commitment to customer service and in the products they sell. Ala Carte Alice’s products include savory sauces, red dog rubs, glazes, relishes and jams. Black and Blue Bacon, Creme Brulee and Sante Fe are just some of the yummy cheese balls Alice offers. In addition, there are mouth watering desserts, party dips and awesome entrees. You have go to try Ala Carte Alice for an excellent cullinary experience!

Billy Joe Homewares
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Unique and decorative kitchen sink strainers, kitchen sink stoppers and toilet roll holders.

Cin Chili
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Cindy Reed Wilkins, aka The Chili Queen, is a legend in the chili community. Cindy has won an extraordinary 15 first-place awards, over 100 total, in the world of championship red chili. For 35 years, she's been tweaking her best chili recipe, from the size of her beef cubes to her secret blend of powdered chili spices. Cin Chili & Company has grown since it's conception in 2005, from one awesome product to seventeen and counting.

Drew DeRose
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Drew DeRose's lines run from tabletop to decorative figurines and include candle holders, cannisters and cookie jars. All products are colorful and original. The company has a creative staff that designs merchandise for Drew DeRose Designs.

Dutch House Caramels
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Dutch House Caramels was founded in 1997, when the owners of Bayfields Bake Shop & Grill, in Alexandria, Minnesota developed a recipe for caramel candy and started making the product in the restaurant. Today the company features caramels in a variety of assortments and gift boxes.

EMV Trading
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EMV's products are deeply inspired by nature with an emphasis on creating beautiful lasting memories. The company's vast selection of unique products complements fine jewelry stores or gift/souvenir shop. EMV jewelry is perfect for any occasion, ranging from formal to casual events with specialization in Hawaiian Koa jewelry and also offering: license plates, shells and pearls jewelry, sterling silver/stainless steel/tungsten/wood collections, assorted natural gemstones and stone fashion jewelry.

Fancy That Gift & Décor
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Fancy That Gift & Decor, Inc. celebrated its 18th anniversary in August, 2019. Owners, Steve and Carmen Mendelson, have used their experience in gift and home decor to build a company that takes pride in providing quality Coastal Decor products and service with the highest levels of integrity always at the forefront.

G I Jerky
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What started out as a snack to take to the field, quickly turned into other paratroopers at Fort Bragg, NC, wanting to purchase the snack. Over the next year, pounds and pounds of GI Jerky was made in the 82nd Airborne barracks and sold to soldiers all over post. G I Jerky says "We manufacture all of our jerky to the highest USDA standards. All of our jerky is sliced, smoked and then bagged in a USDA facility. When you open a bag of GI Jerky, you can be sure that you are eating the highest quality jerky that money can buy!"

Gina B. Designs
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Gina B. Designs is an award-winning greeting card, gift and stationery products company featuring exceptional art and design. With an array of styles, variety of products and outstanding customer service, Gina B. Designs has "something for everyone."  All products are proudly made in the U.S.A.

The Great San Saba River Pecan Company
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The Great San Saba River Pecan Company is located in a huge pecan orchard near San Saba in Texas. The company's products include Preserves in a variety of flavors, Toppings, "Popin" Popcorn Pecan Snack and Pecan Pie in-a-Jar.

Herbal Rose Apothecary
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Herbal Rose Apothecary is a woman owned business founded by a nurse. Shadda Rose is an herbal enthusiast who is dedicated to bringing the medicinal world of plants to the community by offering ethically/organically sourced dried herbs, DiY apothecary kits, bath salts, gifts & more to the market.

JAG Enterprises Inc.
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Having been in business now for 31 years, JAG Enterprises Inc. is the premier place to find your special collegiate, gift and souvenir needs at the best price available.

John Henry's Food Products
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Growing up in East Texas, John Henry has wonderful memories of summer picnics, county fairs and great barbeque. So East Texas flavor is what he had in mind when he created his award winning barbeque sauces, spices and rubs. His strive for perfection and superb taste are the concepts behind everything he does.

The Magical Underland
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The Magical Underland features a product that is a fusion of a play tent and a Christmas tree, where children can play but also decorate. This innovative creation merges the joy of decorating a Christmas tree with the enchantment of a cozy play space. Featuring a 3D infinity light inside and branches outside for hanging ornaments, it provides a magical holiday experience for children and families alike.

Magnolia Lane Collection
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At Magnolia Lane, our desire is to produce gifts that become part of celebrations, memories, and family treasures. Our licensed tailgating products, Christmas line, The South collection, and outdoor decor will enhance and compliment every occasion! We are proud of what we do and are ever grateful and dedicated to our customers.

Michael Grace Gifts
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Michael Grace Gifts focuses on creating beautiful gifts that celebrate life's everyday moments and milestone memories, reflecting the unique personalities and individuality that make each of us treasure one another. Understanding the profound value of gift-giving and relationships, the company curates elegant gifts comprised of unforgettable products that are both visually stunning and a joy to use.

Mills Gourmet
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Mills Gourmet says, "Our products are available in our local area and throughout the US! Every gourmet mix we cultivate is made from scratch right here in our kitchen with the same needs in mind---taste, quality and affordability. We are proud of every single product in our inventory, and we promise our unique blends will give you a taste of real goodness!"

Mountaineer Floral
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Mountaineer Floral, LLC, is a family-owned silk floral wholesale company specializing in silk flower bushes, silk floral Styrofoam, decorative silk sympathy designs, baskets, and ribbon (seasonal, shear, tuxedo, and floral satin). Over the past 30 years, The company has built relationships with customers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Mountaineer Floral's business is a blend of high quality products at reasonable prices. The company is family owned and operated, now in the third generation.

Pure Factory Naturals
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Pure Factory Naturals collections, including Flip Flop Foot Repair,Splash. The collection includes lip balm, foot repair, body lotion, hand cream, solid lotion bar, salt glow, skin repair.

Pure Mana Hawaii
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Pure Mana Hawaii Founders Sue Mandini and Kollette Stith bring the wisdom of living close to the land and in harmony with nature's rhythms to the marketplace in their luxury skincare line. Built from the ground up, the brand features wild harvested ingredients and a synergy of raw, wild macadamia nut oil and green coffee bean oil, grown on their family's certified organic farm, Mahina Mele in Hawaii.

Quintessential Chocolates
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Quintessential Chocolates specializes in the centuries old art form of casting “Liqueur Praliné” or the European style Liquid Center Chocolates (“with a sugar crust”). The process the company uses is more than 200 years old. Quintessential is the only manufacturer of this specialty confection in America and has been creating these chocolates since 1984.

Red Carpet Studios, Ltd.
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Red Carpet Studios, Ltd. features All Jazzed Up^™ Fashion Accessories for Fall & Spring. A wide range of Giftware for the Home & Garden. Visit our website for New Products & Specials.

Reginas Farm Kitchen
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Small-batch artisan fruit spreads from Regina's Farm Kitchen^® are made from the heart, the old-fashioned way. With only real fruit, no preservatives, artificial sweeteners or thickeners. Each of our unique flavors is carefully crafted to ignite your culinary curiosity or jazz up your next event. We invite you to try us.

Rudolph and Me
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Joe and Sue Brielmann have taken their combined experience of over 28 years in personalized products and design to create one of the fastest growing cart businesses in the country. Their creative ability, attention to detail, and the highest standards for quality and customer support, are among the reasons Rudolph and Me has experienced such huge growth.

Samuel Lamont USA
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Founded in 1835, Samuel Lamont is a family run business that continues to manufacture kitchen textiles and provide luxury homeware and giftware. They offer the popular Poli-Dri Tea Towels, Aprons and so much more.

Serenity + Sol
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Serenity + Sol features Metaphysical Products, including Crystal Bags, Essential Oils, Jewelry, Key Rings, "Evil Eye", Sage and Smudge and Sun Catchers. Prepacks are also available.

Sunset Vista Designs
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Sunset Vista Designs offers you extra margin opportunities, and sells thru at retail. They offer innovative designs, in proven products, with space saving merchandising solutions, and attractive package deals that all add value to the quality products we offer. Many say this is the "best ever" line of innovative gift, garden, and home decor.

Tizo Design
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Lines include Tizo and Siena frames in a variety of styles and colors plus elegant candleholders from tea lights to pillar candles. The site also features boxes and trays in a variety of materials.

The Whitehurst Company
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The Whitehurst Company has roots in the Christmas and Home Holiday industry dating back to 1947, first started by Mr. and Mrs. Morris Whitehurst. Now owned and managed as a multi-generation, family-owned business, The Whitehurst Company offers you a wide selection of holiday decor. Products include the largest selection of solid colored ornaments, curated collections of European glass molds, along with licensed products that include Zim’s Elves Themselves, Zim's Collectible Heirloom Nutcrackers and Children of the Inner Light by Marci inspirational ornaments.