California Gift Show Offers International Flair and Supports Global Causes Kentia - Global MarketPlace

The California Gift Show^® continues to evolve and excite, by offering buyers a global experience with its rebranded Kentia-The Global Marketplace section. Kentia, which unveiled a new look at the July 2010 market, has been well received by exhibitors and buyers alike.

An International experience that cannot be found at any other gift show.

Kentia’s international experience cannot be found at any other gift show and promotes the cultural diversity the hall represents, while supporting social responsibility and community development worldwide. The consumer demand for unique, culturally diverse, and one-of-a-kind products that support the global community continues to grow. Kentia answers that demand, with the vibrant and lively World Style, including one the largest collection of Fair Trade Federation exhibitors in the country. In addition to the exceptional resources of World Style, Kentia also offers an extensive collection of jewelry both fine and fashion as well as the growing category of Vintage, where buyers can find the trendy shabby chic products that have a special history and story that captures the imagination.

“Kentia offers an international experience that cannot be found at any other gift show and promotes the cultural diversity the hall represents while supporting social responsibility and community development worldwide,” said Peggy Coleman, vice president marketing, L.A. Mart and California Gift Show.

A combination of traditional order writing and immediate delivery options that creates an easy market experience.

Cash and carry is a unique buying option exclusive to Kentia. Cash and carry is a smart way for buyers to purchase with instant opportunities to refresh their product mix and see immediate results in their stores. Retailers can purchase product and immediately place in their stores the next day.

“Retailers continue to look for ways to differentiate their stores and we meet that need by bringing them the opportunity and ability to refresh their stores instantly with immediate delivery and ROI,” said Mark Furlet, general manager, California Gift Show. “We are proud to offer such an internationally diverse mix of exhibitors and the most innovative products that buyers won’t find elsewhere.”

Kentia is an exceptional resource for retailers looking for product to differentiate their stores. In addition to cash and carry, Kentia offers a wide-range of resources from its popular fine and fashion jewelry section, to one of the largest collections of Fair Trade Federation exhibitors in the country, to its extensive Vintage Collection, which offers one of a kind items ranging from antique furniture, to jewelry to linens, clothing and more. Kentia is a not-to-be-missed component of the California Gift Show.

Kentia will once again host World Style Stories on Friday, January 21 from 4-6 pm. The World Style Stories is a special event to celebrate those who are making a significant impact to the global community as they demonstrate the spirit of Kentia.

Winners from the Kentia’s 2010 World Style Stories include:

Bridge for Africa Foundation
Bridge for Africa is a fair trade, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the dignity of work and self-sufficiency in African communities.

Puresa Organics
Puresa Organics is an Environmental + Humanitarian company, dedicated to creating global awareness on Human Trafficking, and empowering women world-wide through employment, in the making and sales of our organic bags.

Handmade Expressions
Although Handmade Expressions has only been in operation for 4 years, it has managed to form strong partnerships with over 30 artisan cooperatives all over rural India.

Tesoros Trading Co
100% of Tesoros’ Handmade Haitian product the proceeds being used to recycle into projects to help the artisans of Haiti reestablish their enterprises. The HAND/EYE Fund helps Haitians get much-needed commerce flowing through Haiti’s culturally and economically important artisan businesses with the “A Million Hearts for Haiti” program. “Million Hearts” will generate an estimated $1,000,000 to benefit Haitian artisans through the sale of hearts made by them in stone, metal, paper Mache, sequins and fabric, vetiver root, recycled materials, and more.

The Sankofa Center.org
The Sankofa Center.Org, Outstanding Exhibitor Award Winner (New California Gift Show-January 2010), is a 501(c)(3) charity touring African villages showcasing African dance-dramas fused with health, gender, and anti-stigmatization issues to educate, test, and link thousands of women, men, and youths to treatment in Ghana, West Africa.

The Leakey Collection
The Leakey Collection was started in 2001 as a direct response to a devastating drought in Kenya. Utilizing the beading skills of the women, they created contemporary jewelry using natural, sustainable materials such as grass and fallen wood.

CALIFORNIA GIFT SHOW HOURS:

L.A. Mart
Tuesday, January 18 – Monday, January 24
Showrooms: 9a.m. – 6p.m.
Friday, January 21 – Monday, January 24
Temporaries and Beckman’s™ West: 9a.m. – 6p.m.
**Friday, January 21 – SHOP LATE NIGHT! **
Showrooms: 9a.m. – 8p.m., Temporaries and Beckman’s™ West: 9a.m. – 8p.m.

LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER

Friday, January 21-Sunday, January 23
Temporaries: 9a.m.-6p.m.
Monday, January 24
Temporaries: 9a.m. – 4p.m.

LOCATION:

LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER
1201 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015
South and Kentia Halls

L.A. MART
1933 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90007

For more information on The California Gift Show, please visit www.californiagiftshow.com.