NYIGF Sees Double-Digit Attendance Spike

Citing renewed buyer optimism and positive economic indicators, GLM, the show management behind the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), reported a double-digit increase in attendance and healthy order writing at its winter edition, which ran Jan. 30 – Feb. 4. More than 35,000 buyers from around the world were in attendance, outdoing attendance expectations.

The show featured 2,700 exhibitors, many of whom commented on the show’s high energy and sales levels not seen since early 2008. Approximately 400 new exhibitors were a part of this NYIGF edition.

“NYIGF has weathered the economy’s ebbs and flows, and is more exuberant than ever,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. She noted the winter show’s success will help lead into the first phase of “Focus Forward NYIGF 2013,” the strategic reorganization NYIGF recently announced. Show changes will begin in Summer 2010, with the introduction of a new Baby+Child category; a re-categorization of NYIGF’s Handmade division; and the reintroduction of New York’s Newest at Pier 92. The phased changes will synchronize with construction and renovation of the Javits Center, which is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2013.

The next NYIGF market will run Aug. 14 – 19 at the Javits Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94. For details, visit www.nyigf.com.