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IGES 2017 Show Proves Successful for Merchants & Vendors Alike

Whether you’re new to retail, a veteran merchant or looking to explore new trade shows and new-to-you vendors, IGES was the place to be this past October 31 – November 4, 2017.

Held annually, IGES is a retail favorite souvenir show that takes place in the Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, Tennessee. Buyers from specialty stores – including museum shops, resort and tourist based retail businesses, amusement parks, zoo retailers and more – from across the United States, the Caribbean and Canada attend IGES to discover the latest name drop souvenirs, coastal gifts, children’s toys and plush items, resort apparel and more from over 1,200 vendors. Additionally, there are extensive Made in the USA collectibles and keepsakes to stock up on for traditional brick and mortar stores as well as online businesses.

Without coming to IGES, we’d never discover the vendors we need to find,” explains Alex Nelson of Windsor Gifts, a Virginia based merchant. Expanding on this, Nelson says that it’s an “added perk that we love the towns surrounding IGES. We feel like we’re on vacation whenever we’re here.”

Over a five day period, attendees of IGES were able to explore over 1,200 vendors, attend complimentary educational sessions, meet and greet with industry experts, participate in various networking opportunities and more. Among the stand out vendors included Southern Grace Outfitters, a stylish and contemporary apparel company well-known for their graphic t-shirts and assorted dresses, tops and bottoms. Additionally, Southwest Specialty Foods, Inc. stood out with their hot sauce assortment, attendee sampling opportunities and variety in novelty food items. The Petting Zoo, an IGES longtime vendor attendee, once again gave retailers a lot to explore among their expansive plush inventory assortment while first time vendor Sunstaches entertained attendees with their transformative, novelty eyewear that helps merchants small and large engage customers, increase sales and have fun along the way.

John Bartholomew, owner of Liberty Express and an IGES vendor, explained that “our opening day was the best that we have had at any show ever.”

IGES will next take place from November 3 – 7, 2017. Secure your calendar now to make sure you don’t miss this once a year show that supports merchants with their all their souvenir, resort and gift buying needs. Learn more here. 


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