Berkshire Artisans and manufacturers at the New York International Gift Fair (NYGIF)-some to share their wares, others just to see what it was all about.
Twice a year approximately 35,000 people converge on New York City to see what’s new in the home, lifestyle and gift products at the NYIGF. Earlier this month, the Berkshires were grandly represented at the fair by businesses ranging from independent, established artisans like Daniel Bellow and mid-sized companies like Rennie & Rose, to heavy hitters like Blue Q, Dash & Albert and Pine Cone Hill.
Among the throngs of buyers and sellers were Red Lion Inn Gift Shop Manager Jayne Church and 16 local Berkshire artisans ranging from jewelry makers like Ellen Farris to fabric artist Fern Leslie, and wire sculptor Wayne Donaldson (whose work is now on display at the American Folk Art Museum).
“The fair is not open to the general public. Attendees must be a buyer, presenter or guest to attend,” says Church. “So it was great to bring in these artisans as my guests- to have them experience first hand what their creative endeavors could become”
The trip was part of Church’s larger efforts, to help local artisans advance their businesses. In 2009, The Red Lion Inn began to re-vision its gift shop as a mecca for locally made goods.With the new direction of the shop, Church began to work with a wider variety of makers, who were operating at widely varied levels professional development. It was then that she began to use her retail manager know-how to help many of the artisans advance their businesses. Church now supplies the over 100 artisans represented in the inn’s gift shop with a monthly e-blasts featuring opportunities and resources, as well as template business forms such as a purchase orders and invoices. “If they are looking to advance their passions to a full fledged business, I want to be there to help them.” says Church. (Interested in tapping into Church’s know-how, email her at jchurch@redlioninn.com- she is happy to help any and all local artisans)
Among the artisans was Berkshire Creative Board Member and BerkshireMade Vice-President, Stephanie Gravalese-Wood. Wood writes, “Attending the New York Gift Fair as an artisan was an eye opening and inspiring experience. When I was walking through the booths I had one question: how does one take the leap from showing at artisan fairs and selling to a few local shops to wholesale full-color catalogs and opening orders?”
To help answer that query, Wood visited many of the Berkshire based presenters and asked them one question: “What is one piece of advice that you would give to a small artisan business that they could use if they want to exhibit at a tradeshow in the future?” Following is what she got:
Wizzy Wrap: “If you are a creative person find a business mentor who will look at
your strategy and financials”
Rennie and Rose: “Keep your standards up as well as your quality of product. You will not end up where you started. Have your goals and set your sights to make it work”
Dash and Albert:”Think about cross merchandising when displaying your product.”
Pine Cone Hill: “Have good marketing materials, a good take-away for anyone looking at your product. Get information for everyone who comes by your booth/table. There is
no interaction that is not worth capturing”
Daniel Bellow Pottery: “Work on your line, be consistent and make sure you can deliver….Be organized, have a logo, get good at Photoshop, and have great marketing materials”
“All of this advice can be used whether or not your goal is selling at a wholesale trade show or committing to retail artisan mark. ” says Wood “Even if you haven’t figured out what the larger goal is for your business.”
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