NEW YORK — NY NOW’s Winter 2023 Market returned to the Jacob Javits Center in New York City on Feb. 5-8 with a new look and feel. The country’s largest gift and home show attracted thousands. This year’s show also saw increases in qualified show attendance, including buyers, press, and exhibitors, with 34% of the brands being new to the show.
A rebrand, reorganized show floor, elevated food and beverage experience and tech-powered activations were highlights. Part of the show’s new look and feel is attributed to Emerald X recently acquiring the curated wholesale marketplace, Bulletin, whose team and leadership played a key role in the show’s planning, marketing and staging.
“The biggest thing is people are excited to be back in person,” Alana Branston, NY NOW’s Group Vice President, Gift and Home, said. “They’re flocking back to the show and ready to be connecting in person again.”
Elevated lounges, bustling networking events and engaging panels were highlights, as were new brands and makers being added. A new play category catering to toys as well as the addition of cannabis brands was especially well received.
Bulletin’s B2B marketplace and commitment to small businesses will continue to make NY NOW a more tech-powered event, with even more changes slotted for this summer’s edition of the show.
Related. Emerald Acquisition of Bulletin to Boost NY NOW Retail Marketplace
The Bulletin Pavilion, an incubator space featuring emerging wholesale brands, significantly contributed to the show’s sense of discovery and community. This was the place for buyers and brands to connect and participate in activations. This year’s key activation was “The Smoke Shop,” a series of intimate conversations presented by leaders in the cannabis space. These panel discussions covered topics including marketing to Gen Z, the evolution of wellness, and the power of design and representation within the cannabis industry.
“The Bulletin and NY NOW teams did a fantastic job choosing the brands, making a physical layout that truly felt like a community, and creating good vibes for the winter showcase. They also did an incredible job providing support to exhibitors before, during, and after the show,” Sophie Silverstein, founder of Take Shape Studio, an exhibitor at the show, said.
Attendees were happy with the reimagined show as well. “It’s great to see the progression of how many brands were here at NY NOW,” Molly Mathias, Owner of Go Easy, said. “Just being able to see the product makes such a difference. I will definitely be coming back to NY NOW this summer.”
Reach Alana Branston at Alana.branston@emeraldx.com
