NY NOW Reports a Successful Return to Winter Market 

February 16, 2022  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

"We were so excited to be back in person again for the Winter 2022 Market at the Javits Center as we continue in our mission to support our industry, showcase our vendors and introduce buyers to the best new products across home goods, apparel, accessories, jewelry, stationary and more," said Karalynn Sprouse, executive vice president of NY NOW. "This market brought unparalleled success with many vendors reporting record-breaking orders. These achievements motivate us as we push toward a milestone 100 years in business in 2024. We are looking forward to another successful Summer 2022 Market with all of our partners this August, and cannot wait to continue on this trajectory.”

Over the course of four-day Winter 2022 Market, "The New York Gift Show" was the hotspot for buyers, participating brands, and artisans, bringing the in-person market experience back for the second time since the start of the pandemic. It was imperative to offer the ultimate interactive experience this year to further support our brands and help them flourish by providing an opportunity to showcase their diverse offerings to buyers in a tangible way. The continued support of the community of brands is needed now more than ever as so many have been impacted by the ongoing pandemic.

"The NY NOW Winter 2022 Market has been a smashing success for Essence of Harris," said Jamie McGowan, founder of Essence of Harris. "The response from buyers to our newest collection and rebranding has been stellar, and we easily surpassed the total orders we wrote at the Winter 2020 Market, within the first few hours of opening day. NY NOW is an important and critical partner for us as we expand our growth into the US and Canadian markets. We're already planning for the Summer Market and beyond."

As part of the Winter 2022 Market, NY NOW also announced the winners of the Winter 2022 Market Awards, a competitive awards program, adjudicated by an esteemed panel of industry leaders celebrating brands who stood out for unique designs, dedication and innovative emergence. NY NOW honored the following vendors across 11 categories, including Home Design, Beauty + Wellness and Handmade Global Design. A full list of finalists and winners can also be found here, with winners in each section listed below:

• Best Product Award :
• Accent on Design: Studio 96 Publishing Kiss & Fly 
• Accessories: Hot Girls Pearls –  Blue Lapis Chicklet Cooling Bracelet  
• Artisan Resource: Today’s Telegram (United International) – Today's Leather Weekend Bag 
• Baby & Child: Dabble & Dollop –  Children's Chemical Free Bathtime Products 
• Beauty + Wellness: Essence of Harris –  Seilebost Candle & Diffuser 
• Gift Incubator (Gift + Stationery): Bade Christmas –  Bad Christmas Movie Bingo Boardgame 
• Handmade Designer Maker: Alex+Svet –  Game of Shadows 
• Handmade Global Design: Distant Echo – Modern Rustic Pillow 
• Home Design: XOX! Share the Love –  Share the Love Gameboard 
• Luxury Lifestyle: Rachel Atherley –  Peacock Necklace with Kyanite 
• Tabletop: Cellar Door Preserves – Cocktail Fruit Collection
• Best in Market Award: XOX! Share the Love  
• Emerging Brand Award: Colorfull Plates 
• Sustainable Design Award: Savannah Bee Company

The NY NOW Winter 2022 Market's return also saw the debut of the Exceptional Black-Owned Emerging Talent Award winner, Manuel Beckles, founder of Shona African Scupltures.  The award was created to highlight creative and diverse exhibitors, specifically up-and-coming Black talent, and provide them with the opportunity to exhibit at NY NOW. The program provides the resources and support needed to establish these brands and talent as a mainstay within the design industry, such as a complimentary booth at both the Winter and Summer 2022 Markets, guidance from industry trend expert, Patti Carpenter, and full resources from the NY NOW team.

"As a first-time exhibitor, having access to multiple resources and moreover a platform to reach a plethora of buyers and media attendees, thanks NY NOW, has been an incredible experience," said Manny Beckles, founder of Shona African Sculptures. "This award has given me the opportunity to share the beauty of Shona sculptures with others and I'm excited to see what the August 2022 Market will bring."