WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–After a four-year stint in Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla., the Gourmet Housewares Show will return to its former location, San Francisco, where it first launched in 1977, GLM announced.
In addition, it will also have new timing—in August—to allow independent retailers to buy for the fourth quarter and vendors to preview 2010 collections, a statement said.
Scheduled to be held Aug. 8 to 10 at the city’s Moscone Convention Center, the Gourmet Housewares show will run concurrent with the San Francisco International Gift Fair, taking place Aug. 8 to 11, allowing crossover between the two shows.
“After much research and analysis of the evolving specialty housewares marketplace, feedback from our constituencies pointed to the need to move away from previous timing,” said Penny Sikalis, vice president and show manager, GLM. “Combining strong industry support for the summer time frame with relocation to San Francisco, we believe the changes are a win-win for all.”
Manufacturers and retailers were also positive about the changes. “The timing and venue makes a lot of sense, and we at Lifetime Brands support the move—absolutely,” said Jeff Siegel, president and chief executive officer, in the statement.
“The timing provides a double benefit for both store and vendor GC members,” added Janis Johnson, chief executive officer of Gourmet Catalog Buying Group, in the statement. The new August dates “will accommodate fourth-quarter ordering, as well as afford spring planning and preview opportunities—all accomplished in the city that birthed the Gourmet Housewares Show.”
