The semi-annual Buyers Market of American Craft, largest wholesale craft show, is expected to attract more than 9,000 buyers representing 3,000 retailers to the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Feb. 15-18, 2008. Buyers will view the functional and decorative work of more than 1,300 artists working in glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood, metal, furniture, fiber, and mixed media.

“Artist stories are possibly the single-most powerful selling tool at a retailer’s disposal when selling American and Canadian handmade products,” says show director Christine Kloostra. “Artist stories provide consumers with a direct personal connection to the work they are buying.  They also help retailers differentiate themselves from big-box competitors.”

Key features of the Buyers Market include the Premier Jewelry Pavilion, which spotlights nearly 100 jewelry designers working in platinum, high-karat gold, diamonds, and precious gemstones, and the Inspired Interiors Pavilion, which exhibits 35 American and Canadian furniture, lighting, home accessory and wall-art designers.

The Buyers Market also has daily educational seminars for retailers to learn the latest marketing and sales techniques. Featured speakers include jewelry industry expert Marlene Richey, ceramic artist and publicist Michael Lancaster, and Lynn Switanowski, the founder of the Creative Business Consulting Group, a retail consulting firm. 

Special events include the annual Jewelry Preview Feb. 14, from 5-8 p.m.; a Buyers Market Talent Show Feb. 16 at 9 p.m.; and the annual NICHE Awards reception and ceremony at 6 p.m. Feb. 17, honoring the most innovative craft artists in the United States and Canada.

A full schedule of events and registration for the Buyers Market is available at www.AmericanCraft.com or by calling 1800.432.7238 x211. 

The Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft is produced by The Rosen Group, a Baltimore-based arts marketing, publishing, and advocacy firm. The Rosen Group also publishes NICHE magazine, the exclusive trade publication for retailers of fine craft art, and AmericanStyle magazine, the arts lifestyle magazine for enthusiasts, collectors, and travelers.

JCK