Winter 2020 - 82

Gifts, stationery and books
complement each other at BookExpo 2020
Esteemed authors discuss their works
at BookExpo 2019's Children's
Book and Author Breakfast
BookExpo 2019
Show Floor
An intimate conversation with
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
at BookExpo 2019
Giſt and stationery shops are already stocking book-related
Norman Laurila, book manager for retail at the Museum of Modern
merchandise, but the books that inspire those imprint T-shirts, journals,
jewelry and games are oſt en hard to fi nd. " The giſt industry seems afraid
of bringing books into the store, " said Kim Saltzstein, head giſt buyer at
Changing Hands in Tempe, Arizona. However, books can be top sellers
for giſt and stationery stores.
" Most of these retailers rely on giſt shows for their book buying.
This means they are seeing only a fraction of the books available,
missing the chance to meet the key players in publishing - and likely
are not meeting authors, hearing from the editors and other industry
personalities who are responsible for and excited about these new fall
titles. " said Jenny Martin, BookExpo Event Manager. " What's more, at
giſt shows, they can't access coveted Advance Reader Copies (ARCs)
and the many other early releases unveiled at BookExpo. "
When working on a giſt display to complement books at Changing
Hands, Saltzstein appreciates how BookExpo and the new co-located
UnBound, which features lifestyle bookish goods, showcase the items
that allow her to tie together the books with on-trend giſt s
Aſt er BookExpo 2019, Saltzstein added items back into stock that
were previously discontinued - and they sold out. " Gett ing to see the
incredible publishers, giſt books, and to be able to see how they tied into
whatever genre story you have was really eye-opening, " Saltzstein said.
Saltzstein also appreciates the networking opportunities she has at
BookExpo with all of the major publishers and vendors. They provide
insight into trends they are seeing in book buying and what may be the
next hot title. Plus, they off er merchandising inspiration based on how
they've designed their booth.
"
Art (MoMA) in New York, shares in the appreciation for the time spent
with book representatives. " We really enjoy seeing all of our vendors in
a couple days and visiting and catching up. We see representatives from
90% of our vendors season by season, " Laurila said.
With this close contact, Laurila enjoys individual att ention from book
representatives throughout the year. Since he is local to the show, it is a
great opportunity to get in front of publishers he works with annually, as
well as to keep an eye out for new publishers.
" Those who have never been [to BookExpo] need to stop and think
about how many representatives visit them, how they discover new
things, are all publishers sending catalogs? Are they seeing reps?
Otherwise, they're missing out on a lot, " Laurila said.
Outside of the exhibits, BookExpo presents important educational
sessions on and off the show fl oor with exciting speakers. Saltzstein
appreciates the interactive style of the sessions, as the panelists keep
the discussion organized and the audience feels they are part of the
conversation, even when not asking questions directly. With stages
for some of these discussions housed directly in the exhibit hall,
" BookExpo has an open format, so no matt er where you are at show,
you were able to hear or sneak a peek at [the educational sessions]. You
don't have to go off into another area, " Saltzstein said.
With the great depth and variety of books to see and publishers to
meet, as well as stimulating educational sessions and events, a trip to
BookExpo is sure to bring opportunities for giſt and stationery retailers
to fi nd their new top sellers.
For more information about BookExpo, visit bookexpoamerica.com.
Most of these retailers rely on giſt shows for their book buying. This means they are seeing only a fraction of
the books available, missing the chance to meet the key players in publishing - and likely are not meeting
authors, hearing from the editors and other industry personalities who are responsible for and excited about
these new fall titles. - Jenny Martin, BookExpo Event Manager
ADVERTISEMENT | © 2020 BOOKEXPO
Circle 444

http://www.bookexpoamerica.com

Winter 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Winter 2020