Clarion’s Gift & Souvenir Marketplace launches
By Kristin Ely

New, interactive platform was developed to connect exhibitors and retailers through February 2021.

Clarion Events, the organizer of several industry buying shows, launched its virtual Gift & Souvenir Marketplace on Sept. 30. The concept of Marketplace is to connect exhibitors and retailers from anywhere.

According to Nadira Ramatally, Clarion Events’ senior marketing manager, the “one stop shop provides discovery, networking and business opportunities for the gift and souvenir community.”

Buyers have the ability to:

  • shop hundreds of exhibitor virtual showrooms;
  • connect with current and new suppliers from around the country;
  • receive personalized recommendations;participate in weekly live product demonstrations from exhibitors; and
  • attend live and on-demand educational sessions.

Though Clarion Events canceled its 2020 Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show, it’s three other in-person shows of 2020 are moving forward as planned. They include Smoky Mountain Gift Show, Nov. 4-7 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Ocean City Resort Gift Expo, Nov. 15-17 in Ocean City, Maryland; and Grand Strand Gift and Resort Merchandise Show, Dec. 6-9 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Ramatally says The Marketplace is “the perfect accompaniment to the face-to-face show experience.”

According to Ramatally, both buyers and exhibitors are pleased with the platform and its user-friendliness. “They like that it is interactive – we offer the ability to message, chat, and set video meetings right in the platform.”

The Marketplace currently has 2,900 products in the platform in several categories, including: food/gourmet/candy; plush, design; games/puzzles/toys/books; jewelry; apparel/clothing/swimwear; holiday/seasonal; accessories; and souvenirs/novelty/trend.

In addition to the ability to connect with exhibitors and browse products, educational webinars will be held monthly and will cover topics such as short runs, sustainability, e-commerce and Made in America. The first webinar, is Wednesday, Oct.14 at 2:30 p.m. ET/ 11:30 a.m. PT.

Karl Busche, Merchandising Manager at Knott's Berry Farm, will discuss the importance of “Just in Time Production.” He’ll cover how retailers are becoming more invested in this method and how manufacturers are fulfilling this need as a way to increase efficiency and decrease inventory costs and waste.

To register for the Marketplace and learn more, visit us.clarionevents.com/the-marketplace.