Over 65 craft producers will be featured during the Third Annual Prince Edward Island Craft and Giftware Buyer's Market. It will take place on January 17-18 at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. The two days provide a great opportunity for retailers to source quality Island-made products for the upcoming tourist season.
"The government of Prince Edward Island is committed to the growth and promotion of the craft and giftware industry in this province," said the Honourable Michael F. Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "The Buyer's Market is one of several government initiatives which enhance our vibrant craft and giftware industry. It has certainly proven to be a successful event over the past two years with close to half a million in sales recorded."
In addition to over 40 returning producers, this years' event will include more than 25 new exhibitors. Open only to retailers, this wholesale show also features exciting seminars by two of Canada's top retail sales presenters.
The keynote speaker for the Friday morning seminar, "Why People Buy," will be Susan Hayden. The seminar runs from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. With over 25 years of experience in visual marketing and seminar facilitation, Susan Hayden is currently a professor of Visual Merchandising at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario. She holds diplomas in Interior Design and Fashion Design.
On Saturday morning, a breakfast seminar will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Leslie Kish Groves will speak about "Developing a Professional Corporate Image." She holds dual diplomas in Horticulture and Retail Floristry. Her 14 years of experience in the retail industry have led to the development of Interior Elements, a company that specializes in floral decor and visual merchandising and offers consulting services to all areas of wholesale and retail.
"It's very exciting to see the interest steadily increasing in the Buyer's Market," said Project Coordinator Marie Walsh. "The interest in the show has been phenomenal, and we're welcoming many retailers from off-Island to the attend the event as well. There is a keen interest in the marketplace for quality Island-made products."
The Prince Edward Island Buyer's Market is free to all retailers. For more information, contact Marie Walsh at Prince Edward Island Business Development at 569-7787.