Retail News - May/June 2009

in the
news

ALBERTA GIFT SHOW AUGUST 16 TO 19 Telephone: (888) 823-7469 www.albertagiftshow.com

What’s In Store at the
Montreal
Fall 2009 CGTA Gift Show

In addition to an unparalleled offering of new products, brands and exhibitors, the CGTA Gift Show offers attendees an array of educational seminars and feature areas. Taking place August 9 to 12 in Toronto, Ont., the show provides buyers with easy access to the latest products, ideas and insights. See below for special event and seminar information, but be sure to visit www.cgta.org for complete details and to plan your trip.

MONTREAL GIFT SHOW AUGUST 23 TO 26 Telephone: (888) 823-7469 www.montrealgiftshow.com

Toronto
STORE RETAIL CONFERENCE
JUNE 1 TO 2

Telephone: (416) 922-6678 www.retailcouncil.org

United States

Let loose before the show starts with an evening out to see the Jersey Boys on August 8. The musical is based on the true story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks, who became one of the biggest American pop music sensations. Orchestra seat tickets are $125. On Monday evening, “edu-tainer” Lee Smart from Second City Communications will host a co cktail reception/seminar entitled Innovation Factory. This unique blend of presentation, demonstration, audience participation and entertainment promises to inspire. Tickets are $20 plus GST.

Special Events

MODE ACCESSORIES SHOW AUGUST 9 TO 11 Telephone: (416) 510-0014 www.mode-accessories.com

FALL 2009 CGTA GIFT SHOW
AUGUST 9 TO 12
Telephone: (800) 611-6100
www.cgta.org

ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL GIFT & HOME
FURNISHINGS MARKET
JULY 10 TO 14
Telephone: (800) 285-6278
www.americasmart.com

Seminar Highlights

Five keynote sessions from four prominent speakers will be offered to retail attendees free of charge. George Whalin kicks things off Sunday morning with Strategies for a Changing World. The veteran retailer and author of Retail Success will discuss five things retailers should stop doing and five things they should start doing to thrive in tough economic times. Later that day he’ll deliver an address called All Retail is Local, which deals with understanding the wants, needs and expectations of the customers in your neighbourhood.

On Monday morning, economist and television personality Linda Nazarath will
discuss The Leisure Economy. Her fresh, insightful look into the changing demographics,
economics and generational consumer attitudes will unveil the winners and losers in the
coming leisure boom.
Also on Monday is Real Life Retail: For All Retailers hosted by award-winning retailer
Deborah Sirman of Greenland Garden Centre. Attendees will learn and share tips and
techniques designed to get the most from their buying dollar.
The keynote presentations end on Tuesday morning with Trade Secrets. Hosted by
Retail News editor Erica Kirkland, this session will cover actual retail successes and the
challenges faced by independent gift retailers.

In addition to the keynote addresses, four design and display demonstrations will be hosted daily from Sunday to Tuesday by floral designer Leslie Groves and craft guru Sue Warden at the International Centre. At the Congress Centre South, Anne Franze will host one-on-one consultations alongside business and merchandising seminars for independent store owners in the Retailer’s Resource Centre.

Full event details can be found at www.cgta.org. To order tickets to the above events, contact the CGTA Hospitality Bureau at (800)750-1750 or print an order form online.