California Gift Show Welcomes New Showrooms, Announces New July Show Events

The California Gift Show (CGS) has added a roster of new and expanded permanent showrooms, and new and returning temporary exhibitors to launch the CGS summer show. 

"As the U.S. economy begins to improve and as consumer confidence begins to notch upward, the gift industry in the region is responding accordingly," said Jeff Sampson, vice president marketing, L.A. Mart/CGS/L.A. Mart Design Center. "Manufacturers and multi-line rep showrooms who do business here are demonstrating their conviction by signing on the dotted line, that's great news for everyone, especially for the retailers who shop with us." 

Joining the lineup of showrooms at L.A. Mart are CGS temporary exhibitors transitioning to permanent spaces, newcomers from competitive market centers and existing showrooms expanding in square footage and renewing long-term leases. Highlights include: six-time CGS exhibitor Keena, a western states multi-line rep firm, as well as Austin Press, Corkcicle, Danica, Funnybone, Kobo, Mywalit, Russell + Hazel, Thomas Paul, S'well, Urban Aid and more. 

PALECEK also renewed its lease and expanded its showroom, adding 6,650 square feet to total almost 10,000 square feet. "Adding this amount of square footage will also allow us to use a portion of the new space to sell furniture, lighting, wall dÇcor and accessories off the floor, attracting both designer and retail customers," said David Beld, executive vice president, PALECEK.

Other new permanent showrooms include: Chow's Oriental Arts Inc., Echo by Fine Lines and Noir Trading. These five new/expanded showrooms add almost 20,000 square feet. 

At the Los Angeles Convention Center, approximately 100 new exhibitors representing almost 15,000 new square feet join the roster of returning exhibitors to the Gift and Beckman's Handcrafted Show L.A. lineup. A small sampling of new Gift exhibitors includes: Bedhead Pajamas, Tokyomilk, Ty Inc., Picnic Time, Maxwell Division, Lollia, Love & Toast, Ohio Wholesale and, new to Beckman's, Virtu, Broke Jewels, Life on Accessory, Bijoutiere and many more.

New events at L.A. Mart include:

Tea Time

Gus Dallas Ltd., L.A. Mart, Suite 870

July 25, 27, 30, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Now Designs highlights its new line of English-manufactured teapots. A proper afternoon tea will be served.

Soiree Wine Tasting

Debi Wise and Associates, L.A. Mart, Suite 803

July 26, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

July 27, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Join Soiree Wine Decanter co-creator Marshall Coffy for a wine tasting that demonstrates why the Soiree aerator is one of the best-selling in the market, and the only aerator to be endorsed by Zagat.

Creating Extraordinary Arrangements

Collective Home, L.A. Mart, Suite 700

July 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Create custom designs for the holidays with Shelly Kuri, owner and designer of Ivy Guild, and learn how to differentiate your store with extraordinary arrangements. Made in California, these lovely botanicals delight and last forever.