As the final numbers for The Third Annual Prince Edward Island Craft & Giftware Buyer's Market are being tallied, the results are looking promising for PEI craft producers. Direct wholesale sales are reaching over $350,000, an increase of $100,000 compared to last year's figures.
In addition to more than 40 returning producers, the event welcomed more than 25 new exhibitors to this year's show. The PEI Craft & Giftware Buyer's Market is an initiative that was first introduced in 2000 by PEI Business Development, which provides an opportunity for retailers to purchase Island-made products to add to their inventory for the upcoming tourist season.
"It was a pleasure to walk through the show and witness the quality of products being presented by the exhibitors at the event," said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "I am very pleased to see such an increase in sales from the first year to now. The Buyer's Market has proven that Island-made products are in high demand and will be found in many stores across the Maritimes this summer."
Show Coordinator, Marie Walsh of PEI Business Development, couldn't be more pleased with the success of this year's show.
"I am thrilled to see the show gaining so much attention. Throughout the weekend, the buyers indicated how impressed they were with the diversity, professionalism and quality of the products on display," said Walsh. "Each year, it becomes more evident that the interest to purchase Island-made products is on the rise. It is truly a pleasure to be a part of such a great event."
The winner for the best booth and the buyer's choice went to Roberta Brothers from Ooh La! La. The winner of the best product award was given to Nicole Balderston of Baldermond's Oddities.
In total over 350 buyers from across the Maritimes toured the 70 plus exhibits at the Buyer's Market. Plans are already underway for the 2004 event.