A national trade show with about 200 vendors is underway in Halifax. It’s not open to the public; rather, it’s a chance for businesses to try to showcase their products to other businesses. “People have traveled from Newfoundland, Ontario, Alberta, basically across the country to come here to Halifax and connect directly with their important customers,” said Carolyne Hoshooley, vice president of the Canadian Gift Association. This is just the second time the Atlantic Gift + Home Market, put on by the association and the Craft East Buyers’ Expo, is in the Maritimes, after a stop in Moncton last year. More than 3,000 buyers signed up to attend the three-day event, Hoshooley said. One buyer is Kimberley Irvine, who owns The Olde Crow Boutique in the Sunnyside Mall. “I get a lot of requests for Canadian products by tourists, especially during the summer months,” said Irvine. “It’s been lovely.” Irvine said she doesn’t limit her business exclusively to Canadian products but now is the time to focus on that. She said having vendors from across the country all in one place is helpful. “We always love to support our local talent and wholesalers from our own country,” Irvine said. “But right now it seems more important than ever given the environment.” Souvenirs, jewelry, candles, greeting cards and more were on display at the market from owners ready to get their products to market. The owner of A&A Creations, a new clothing-print business in Sydney, was thrilled to showcase their designs. “It’s better for us to have it to be part of this event where we don’t have to reach out to all the customers,” said Asim Mahajan, who launched his business one year ago. “We are seeing new people. It’s not just from Sydney or Nova Scotia. It’s people coming from all other Maritime provinces.” The Halifax expo is one-of-five Canadian Gift Association trade shows across the country. “Buyers coming to our spring trade shows are often looking to purchase in quantities for upcoming gifting seasons – Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter – certainly the winter holidays as well,” said Hoshooley. Robert Patterson, the owner of Patrick King Woolen Company, a Toronto-based tartan business, said being on the east coast offers a big opportunity. “If you can’t sell Nova Scotia tartan in Nova Scotia, you’re doing something wrong,” said Patterson. “Nova Scotia is very proud of their history.” His company also offers tartans for provinces across the country. “These shows are very important for businesses like ourselves because we can speak to our buyers, they can touch our products,” Patterson said. “We do a lot of online as well, but you can’t get the same feel because we’re very tactile.” The Atlantic Gift + Home Market show runs until Tuesday.
