Prince Edward Island (PEI) craft and giftware producers attracted a large number of buyers from across the Maritimes to the Sixth Annual PEI Buyer’s Market. The two-day event was held in Charlottetown at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel from January 20-21.
The year’s event featured 55 exhibitors and 300 buyers. All participants were invited to attend a networking luncheon and buyers were treated to two exciting and entertaining information sessions by Nadja Piatka and Leslie Kish Groves, both successful women entrepreneurs with a wealth of professional experience and knowledge.
“This event gives Prince Edward Island craft and giftware retailers an opportunity to gear up for the 2006 shopping season,” said Minister of Development and Technology Mike Currie. “With other Canadian shows about to take place, the PEI Annual Buyer’s Market is an excellent way to prepare for the upcoming tourism season. It is evident by the large crowd at this year’s show that PEI products, made with creativity and talent by local artisans, are favorites among many buyers.”
The show also honoured exhibitors who demonstrated innovation and creativity. Judith Bayliss and Hannah Bell, co-owners of See the Island, won for Best Booth Presentation; Best New Product was awarded to Ayelet Stewart, owner of A Y Designs; and the Buyer’s Choice award went to B.J. Sandiford, owner of Happy Glass.
“The results that we are receiving from participants are promising,” said Marie Walsh, project coordinator with Prince Edward Island Business Development. “Early results are indicating that sales could be as high as $100,00 more than last year’s show. There is a lot of preparation that goes into a show of this nature and I am very pleased to hear that sales are up.”
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 2006 season. For more information about the Buyer’s Market and other related events, please contact Marie Walsh at (902) 569-7787 or by e-mail at dmwalsh@gov.pe.ca.
Prince Edward Island Business Development offers programs and services to the craft and giftware sector to encourage start-up and expansion of craft businesses. For more information about programs and services offered at Prince Edward Island Business Development, please contact Carolyn Villard, craft development officer at (902) 368-4799, or by e-mail at cavillard@gov.pe.ca.
Please visit our website at www.peibusinessdevelopment.com.