By IvyLee Rosario
If you’re looking to be amongst major suppliers showcasing the newest must-have items in the souvenir industry, then you’ll have to attend the International Gift Exposition in the Smokies and the Souvenir Super Show, IGES/SSS, the largest wholesale souvenir, resort and gift expo in the United States. “Buyers come from all across the U.S.A.,” says Tiffany Tysiak, Account Executive for IGES/SSS, “representing gift shops from zoos, aquariums, museums, caves, campgrounds, hotels, airports, waterparks, national and state parks, cruise lines, amusement and theme parks, hospitals, mom and pop gift shops in and around the Smoky Mountain area and many more!”
No matter what category of souvenirs can be found in your store, IGES/SSS has every type of merchandise that are guaranteed to be strong sellers for your store. “Consumers often put great thought into choosing a souvenir for a friend or loved one, something meaningful and useful,” says Tysiak. “For this reason, we expect to see custom apparel, plush and coffee mugs as best sellers again during our 2015 show. Jewelry will also likely top the list and educational toys for children are always popular as well.”
IGES/SSS works hard all year long to be sure that buyers are aware of the events taking place at their show. This year, they have many specials showcasing souvenir exhibitors. “We have a very special promotion in Sevierville this November in which buyers who spend $3,000 with combined orders from any Sevierville exhibitors receive a free piece of beautiful Silver Nugget turquoise and sterling silver jewelry,” says Tysiak. “Buyers who spend $6,000 receive two pieces of jewelry and buyers who spend $9,000 receive 3 pieces.”
In addition to a jewelry give-away, IGES/SSS will also have $100 cash prizes given out every hour to buyers placing orders from Wednesday through Friday during the show. Exhibitor Aurora World, booth 6022, will be offering commemorative Raggedy Ann dolls, celebrating the 100th Year Anniversary of Raggedy Ann to the first 100 buyers, and A.T. Storrs will be sponsoring a giveaway for a one-week vacation to Maui, Hawaii. To qualify, buyers must place an order with A.T. Storrs in booths 6712, from November 4-7 to receive entry.
Additionally, souvenir and gift vendors in Sevierville have teamed up to offer buyers a Wine and Cheese reception on opening day, November 3, from 4pm-6pm on the show floor. “Wine and cheese will be served from the sponsors’ booths and will be denoted by flags hanging above their booths,” says Tysiak. “Sponsors include Squire Boone Village, Panther Trading, Just Too Cute, Samantha Grace Designs and Doodle Pants.”
With Made in America products being highly sought after in the souvenir and gift industry, IGES/SSS is bringing back this popular merchandise section after debuting during their 2014 show. “After amazing results last year, we increased the size of this section by over 20% for our 2015 IGES,” says Tysiak. “Buyers and vendors alike reported great success here so be sure to stop by and shop for custom and handmade souvenirs made right here in the U.S.A.”
Hundreds of retailers and exhibitors have reported success at the IGES/SSS show each year and the staff is fully ready to provide the best experience possible to all their attendees and suppliers. “Buyers at our 2015 IGES can look forward to purchasing the newest merchandise for 2016, as many of our exhibitors will be debuting new products and lines for next year at our show,” says Tysiak. “With all the work that everyone puts into this show – the buyers, exhibitors and our staff – it is easy to see why people are so successful with us.”