LOS ANGELES-An enhanced buyer education program will be among the highlights at the California Gift Show next January. Topics will include social media marketing, visual merchandising, American-made product promotion and airport retail opportunities, among others.
“Since taking over the reins of the California Gift Show in August 2012, we’ve focused our efforts on rebuilding and expanding the product selection, as well as the buyer services offerings,” said Doug Miller, president, Urban Expositions, which owns and operates the show. “Education is an integral part of this revitalization strategy. We want to make sure that we’re providing area retailers with fresh new product, as well as business-building tools and strategies to help sharpen their competitive edge for the coming year.”
On Friday, Jan. 25 from 10-11 a.m., “Airports Are Thriving. They’re Where You Want to Be” will be hosted by Airports Revenue News. “Real Americana: How to Develop the Right Made in the USA Assortment” will be presented by Chris Lake, retail director, ARAMARK Parks and Destinations from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. “Make Your Store More Pinteresting” will be presented by Crystal Vilkaitis, founder of Crystalmedia from 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Jan. 26, “The Selling Power of Creativity: Retail Store Design, Visual Merchandising, and Trend Forecasting For Today’s Retailer” will be presented by Christopher Gaona, principal, Christopher Gaona Design Studio from 10:30-11:30 a.m. “7 Sure-Fire Social Media Tips to Increase Traffic and Sales will be presented by Vilkaitis from 2–3 p.m. On Saturday, Jan. 27, “For Retailers: The Key to Success is Buying, Not Just Selling” will be presented by Mita Patnaik, co-founder of Vianza, Inc. from 11 a.m.-noon.