Forty years ago, Noritake signed a lease for a showroom at Forty One Madison. Today, 115 leading brands have located their wholesale showrooms at the building where every spring and fall they fill with major retail buyers from across North and Central America for the New York Tabletop Market.
The upcoming edition is scheduled for Oct. 21-24, where Forty One Madison will celebrate its 40-year anniversary.
“While we stay true to our mission of excellence by providing the best market experience to our visitors, change is the one constant here,” said Laurie Burns, senior vice president and director of Forty One Madison. “This show, we are pleased to welcome back Orrefors Kosta Boda.”
In its return to Forty One Madison after a 10-year absence, the premier Swedish brand of crystal and glass designs for more than a century has moved into a 2,000-square-foot showroom on the ninth floor.
“Forty One Madison has been home to the tabletop and giftware industries for years, and everyone at Orrefors Kosta Boda is excited about coming back to the building,” said Matthew Jones, the company’s U.S. president.
Synonymous with classic, timeless clear crystal both for use at the table as well as art quality for interior décor, Orrefors is also distinguished by the caliber of its craftsmanship, with each piece produced by the hands of many skilled artisans. Kosta Boda products enjoy global recognition with a signature look that includes a colorful palette and playful decoration.
“In planning the new showroom, our goal is to create an environment where buyers will be able to experience the rich design heritage of both Orrefors and Kosta Boda, and see how the Swedish/Nordic lifestyle and traditions are relevant to today’s U.S. consumer,” Jones said.
Commemorating 40 Years
While Noritake enjoys the distinction of being the first tableware company to plant its roots at Forty One Madison in 1974, not long after several other prestigious companies followed suit, many of which currently remain in the building to this day.
The Rudin family, owners of Forty One Madison, will be honoring these stalwarts with a special presentation at the event, according to Burns. In addition to Noritake, Mr. Christmas, Nikko Ceramics, Oneida, Reed & Barton, Rosenthal, Royal Doulton, Villeroy & Boch and Wedgwood will also be recognized.
