Future Shows
2008 May 6-8 Las Vegas |
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CONTENTS:
FEATURE: Gourmet Networking
RETAILER PROFILE: Paula Gillman, president Paula Gillman & Co., Rock Hill, South Carolina
GOOD REP: David Friedman, president Northeast Group, Norwood, Massachusetts
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GOURMET HOUSEWARES SHOW STATS:
How can manufacturers win the new Green award? What criteria is used? Judges will consider:
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• Use of recycled materials in making of product
• Energy efficient products
• Wood from sustainable forests or use of rediscovered woods or FSC certified wood
• Companies that have enforced a reclamation policy
• Certification by a regional, national or international organization
• Philanthropic endeavors – manufacturers who support specific not-for-profit activities
HAVE FUN!
Exclusive only to Gourmet 365—Our Insider’s Guide to Las Vegas—The Gourmet Show’s resident smartie, Allison Rober, has tapped into an extensive list of trade show contacts and friends in Sin City to pull together tips for fun days and nights while in town. (Her list is even broken down by price—there’s something for everyone.) Click here to see the entire list.
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Dear Friends,
Even as larger retailers falter in these economically challenging times, most independent retailers are picking up steam by being on top of the latest product trends. That’s why we at The Gourmet Housewares Show are so happy to be able to offer you not only the best vendors, but also the time to visit with them.
You should also consider joining us in Las Vegas for what you will learn: our seminars offer specific information targeted to enhance the success of your business.
Finally, we always throw the best parties, and this year’s Gala at Treasure Island will be no exception! The Gala lets you network with other retailers while having a fantastic time and supporting a very worthy cause—Share Our Strength.
See you in Vegas,
Susan Corwin
vp and show manager
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| FEATURE: Gourmet Networking |
Shopping for great quality products and face-to-face meetings with top vendors aren’t the only reasons to attend The Gourmet Housewares Show®. Having fun and learning something new are other benefits to coming to Las Vegas in May.
From a gala opening night party to culinary demonstrations and business seminars led by industry experts, it’s all part of a unique networking experience for specialty kitchenware retailers.
This year’s show kicks off with an Opening Night Gala at the Treasure Island resort, benefiting Share Our Strength. At that prestigious event, the annual Gourmet Gold Awards will be announced: a ceremony that also includes the new “Green” award, highlighting a product judged to best represent the show’s focus on sustainable products. Other award categories celebrate the most cutting edge kitchenware around: Cookware/Bakeware; Kitchen Electrics; Gadgets, Cutlery and Accessories; Gourmet Gifts and Specialty Food; and Tabletop and Textiles.
Retailers who run cooking schools—and those who just like to cook—can stop by the Culinary Center and watch celebrity chefs in action throughout the show. The central layout of the Culinary Center also makes it easy for attendees to break for a lunch series of business-savvy discussion groups tackling such topics as sustainability, shipping, insurance and employee benefits. All are part of the new Gourmet Symposium: “Quick Bites for Your Business”, located at the Culinary Center. Click here for the latest information.
And the gourmet industry’s top buying groups will also be on hand with informational sessions.
More than 26 kitchenware vendors will take part in a one-day seminar to be held May 5th, sponsored by the H.T.I. Buying Group. The seminar, called the 2008 “Philosophy, Art, and Science of Buying” focuses on ways retailers can set themselves apart, says Bob Coviello, president of H.T.I., and the seminar leader. Click here for details.
Additionally the Gourmet Catalog Company will hold a Catalog Selection Committee Meeting for its members in Las Vegas, also on Monday, May 5.
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I'm coming to the Gourmet Show because...
"I have heard great things about it, and I am expanding my tabletop and housewares category to my gift and apparel store. I want to branch out from the traditional gift shows and look forward to the new direction the Las Vegas Gourmet Housewares Show will offer. This will be my first visit. I like the idea of a focused housewares show and feel that it will deliver many new product options for me to add."
Lindia Daugherty, owner
Creative Looks Boutique
Maxwell, California |
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Retailer Profile:
Paula Gillman, president Paula Gillman & Co., Rock Hill, South Carolina |
 Gillman & Co. opened this past fall in an upscale mall in this suburb of Charlotte, N.C. and owner Paula Gillman reports business is going well for the 2,700-square foot store. “We haven’t noticed any signs of a recession yet,” she says.
In fact, Gillman’s cooking school has helped make the store a destination for shoppers, she says. “The cooking classes have been unbelievable, and keeping up with them has been our biggest challenge to date.”
Local chefs and instructors from nearby Johnson & Wales University staff the classes giving them a professional feel, and the store also hosts food and wine tastings. Gillman operates four cooking classes each night, “And they are so popular we are booked up through the next month,” she says.
Paula Gillman & Co. also offers a wide selection of top end cookware and tableware and a 12-foot long cutlery display.
Gillman, who comes to the kitchenware retail arena after a career as an apparel buyer, loves to cook, and when she considered getting back into retail, the kitchen was where she wanted to be.
“When you love the work,” she says, “No matter how late you stay and how tired you are you can’t wait to get back the next day.”
That she likes her job helps bring a positive attitude to the entire business.
Gillman prides herself on the fact that Gillman & Co. offers top-notch customer service. “We are in a good mood and people come into the store and they are happy to be here,” she notes. |
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| Good Rep: David Friedman, president Northeast Group, Norwood, Massachusetts |
Staying Ahead in a Competitive Marketplace
 David Friedman’s territory includes the six New England states and upstate New York, but he advises his retailers to look beyond local trends when making buying decisions.
Friedman’s team closely tracks how their retail clients are doing. Invariably, he says, retailers who do the best are the ones most open to change. “They try new things, new categories, new marketing,” he says. “No matter how bad business is, they try to stay ahead of the game and they react quickly to new products.” And that’s where a good manufacturer’s rep should play a key role, Friedman adds. “We can help you understand what is happening with brands both locally and nationally.”
In fact, Friedman advocates a system of aggressive retailing in a tough business environment. In short, don’t be afraid to add new lines and categories. When an independent kitchenware store acts on a new line only after they see it for sale in a big box retailer, that means the store has waited too long, says Friedman, adding “As a consumer I expect the smaller store to be ahead of the big box boys in terms of new products.”
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What do you like about your manufacturers’ reps? What do you not like? Let’s talk!
Contact me at 207-799-3473 or at thyra_porter@glmshows.com
Thyra Porter, editor, Gourmet 365 |
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To register to attend and for the most up-to-date info, please visit www.thegourmetshow.com
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