NEW YORK— The winter 2017 edition of NY Now was lightly traveled, particularly after the first two days, said vendors, but many had success in order writing, and those with interior design accessibility in particular made strong connections at the show.
The current political climate still made many participants and their retail buyers uneasy, yet some said the fact that the election was over led to retailers having a sigh of relief and a sense of moving forward.
“There is relief that the election year is over and a big focus on gift giving and gift boxed items,” said Daniel da Silva, president, Vista Alegre USA. Other vendors also highlighted items in gift packaging.
Bobby Djavaheri, director, sales and development, Yedi Houseware said that the retail mood is challenging, but noted that the company has done well online, and has had success with its “Oprah favorite” mug collections.
“It’s been a good order writing show,” said Roseann Ferrer, vp/sales, Vista Alegre. The company found retailer interest in its quick ship program, with the ability to ship in three days’ time a catalog of items from its NJ warehouse.
“There is a great reaction to our new collection. NY Now is our favorite show that we do. Our industry is changing very fast and I see it as an opportunity,” said Anna Rabinowicz, creative director, owner, Anna by RabLabs. She noted that connecting with the consumers is “all about creating an experience, and responding to their emotional and physical needs.”
Rabinowicz said that especially in uncertain times, people are looking for items with gracious beauty, and much of her product is based on natural materials, such as electroplated silver or gold and semiprecious stones. “People are longing for a connection with nature and with each other,” she added, and they are seeking out items that help elevate their time spent together, and connect with objects that have a story behind them.
The show attracts attendees that are looking for collections with a modern aesthetic, she said, and she saw retail buyers from as far away stateside as California, and there was an international presence from Central American countries such as Mexico and Peru.
Gary Seehof, chairman, SophistiPlate, which launched its line of fashion driven disposable tableware at the show, said he saw a strong presence from independent retailer buyers at his booth. “It’s been strong. There’s been a good mix of order writing and lead taking,” he said.
Tage Strom, brand ambassador, Viterra, said that the home décor category remains strong, and the fact that the art glass company has “interior design pricing” has made it important at the show. The interior design segment is also strong, he noted. At the show, Viterra wrote its first export order to Australia. The company also saw buyers from Mexico and Canada; he noted that international orders were oftentimes bigger as these retailers had to factor in freight charges and customs.
Erica Friedman, creative director, Viterra, added that 50/50 of her orders went to interior designers and to retailers; she said the former was a mix of those wanting items to stage something and those looking for something for a particular client.
Those targeting mid-tier department stores with their product said that the channel doesn’t have their sights on buying new items for their stores; many are in survival mode. Other participants said while they had reorders from existing retail partners, they would have preferred a steadier stream of new buyers in the aisles shopping for their goods.
Many vendors at the winter show, as is the past, have voiced the opinion that the August NY Now is a stronger market, as it is the “last major market” at which retailers can buy for the holiday season.
