Prince Edward Island (PEI) craft and giftware producers attracted a significant number of buyers from across the Maritimes to the Seventh Annual PEI Craft & Giftware Buyer’s Market. The two-day event, held in Charlottetown at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel from January 12-13, is a popular wholesale event during a normally quiet time of the year.
The Craft & Giftware trade show featured 54 exhibitors, 10 of whom were new exhibitors to this year’s venue. All participants were invited to attend a networking luncheon, and buyers were treated to two exciting and entertaining information sessions by Tyler Haden and Leslie Kish Groves, both successful entrepreneurs with a wealth of professional experience and knowledge.
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to supporting the craft and giftware industry through initiatives like the annual Buyer’s Market event,” said the Premier of Prince Edward Island, Pat Binns. “Craft and giftware producers have become more familiar with how to display and sell their products through this event over the years. The seminars always attract a full crowd and the exhibitors are able to learn new ideas and skills through the experience of others.”
The show also honoured exhibitors who demonstrated innovation and creativity. Laura Cole from Random Pieces Glassworks won for Best Booth Presentation; Best New Product was awarded to Marcela and Sergio Golod of Royal Glass Design; and the Buyer's Choice award went to Cheryl Roche, owner of Digitech Images.
“The results so far are indicating that sales are surpassing last year’s total,” said Minister of Development and Technology Mike Currie. “It’s encouraging to see that, after seven years, an event can continue to attract this kind of attention from buyers. It certainly demonstrates the quality and talent of our craft and giftware industry, and the people that organize this popular annual event.”
“I was very pleased with the overall success of this year’s event,” said Project Coordinator Marie Walsh. “It has always been a welcoming Island event for craft & giftware producers and retailers. This year producers offered a very unique variety of products and it was encouraging to see returning buyers and new buyer’s alike.”
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 2007 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.