Despite stormy weather craft and giftware retailers were out in full force at the Fifth Annual Buyer’s Market. The two-day event was held at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel and attracted buyers from across Atlantic Canada and into the New England states.
The year’s event featured 60 exhibitors and 150 buyers. All participants were welcome to attend the Kick-off luncheon and buyer’s were treated to two exciting and entertaining information sessions by Carol Lesbirel and Pete Luckett, two of Atlantic Canada’s top retail sales presenters.
“I was very pleased with the attendance level at this year’s Buyer’s Market,” said Minister of Development and Technology Michael Currie. “This has always been a popular event with craft and giftware producers and retailers. This year, producers offered a very unique variety of product and it was encouraging to see that buyers weren’t turned off by the poor weather. Prince Edward Island is home to truly dedicated artisans and retailers and such dedication is prominent in our strengthening economy.”
The show also honoured exhibitors who demonstrated innovation and creativity. Natasha MacFadyen, owner of Knotty Handscapes, won for Best Booth Presentation; Best New Product was awarded to Leslie Kwiathkowski and Josh Dyment, owners of PEI Smoke-Fired Pottery; and the Buyer’s Choice award was a tie between Cathy Muldoon, owner of Be Wick’d, and Lynn Gaudet, owner of Where Pigs Fly.
The Prince Edward Island Buyer’s Market is an initiative of Prince Edward Island Business Development and is free to all retailers who are looking to source quality, Island-made products to sell during the upcoming season. For more information, contact Marie Walsh at 569-7787 or dmwalsh@gov.pe.ca.