MARKET HAPPENINGS
ALL SHOW DAYS
YOUR EVENT SCHEDULE
Product Display: NellyRodi Spring/Summer 2025 Trend Gallery
Location: Trend Gallery (Main Aisle, Between Aisles 300-400)
Description: Immerse yourself in our Trend Gallery powered by NellyRodi, renowned forecasting specialist and expert strategic consulting agency for the creative industries. This onsite display features a thoughtfully curated selection of products from our exhibiting brands, and is divided into four captivating macro trends under the theme of REBEL.
Product Display: "Editor's Choice" by Oprah Daily
Location: Editor’s Choice by Oprah Daily (Between Aisles 2100-2200)
Description: A thoughtfully curated collection of products from innovative exhibiting brands, emphasizing values that prioritize purpose, quality, and forward-thinking designs. Explore cutting-edge products and discover brands that resonate with your values.
Activation: Ice Cream Bar with PENCIL ONE
Location: Connect & Chill Lounge (Between Aisles 1700-1800)
Dates: Sunday, August 4, and Monday, August 5
Description: Press pause on your product discovery and take a few minutes for work or networking in PENCIL ONE’s Connect & Chill Lounge on all market days, and then join us for ice cream for a few hours on both Sunday and Monday. It’s summer after all– there’s nothing better than accompanying your networking with a sweet treat!
Activation: Tattoo Bar by Inked by Dani
Location: Booth #1745
Activation: Giveaway with Chez Gagné
Location: Booth #1727
Giveaway items:
– 100 Units of Facial Sheet Masks
– 100 Units of Notepads
– 100 Units of Paper Clip Packs
– 100 Units of Napkins
– 168 Units of Coffee Mugs to be used in the Buyers lounge
Activation: Bottle Engraving with Ad-N-Art
Location: Booth #1924
Description: Asobu by Ad n Art is a manufacturer of stylishly unique, fun & functional drinkware products. Head to Booth #1924 to check out their latest creations, Bestie Bottles, and get one engraved with your kid’s name as a complimentary gift! While supplies last.
Activation: Podcast Studio
Podcast Host: Crystal Vilkaitis, Owner, Crystal Media/Rooted in Retail
Time: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Date: Sunday, August 4 and Monday, August 5
Location: Podcast Studio (Between Aisles 1300-1400)
Description:
Participate in a LIVE podcast interview right on the show floor during Summer Market with Crystal Vilkaitis of Rooted in Retail!
Crystal is a world-class social media expert and powerful speaker who helps independent retailers bring their unique brilliance to the local and global masses. She has spoken around the globe, and has shared the stage with industry giants like Martha Stewart, Gary Vaynerchuk, Bethenny Frankel, Brendon Burchard and more.
Crystal’s podcast Rooted in Retail is dedicated to helping independent retailers thrive in today’s ever-evolving retail landscape – what could be more relevant for our market?! She is scheduling “Live from NY NOW” interviews for the podcast during the aforementioned times, and is also leaving time open for a “Resilience Round” of rapid-fire questions. Here’s more info about the options:
- Full Episode (30-40 minutes): Share tips and insights on sales, marketing, trends, leadership, customer service, merchandising, and more.
- Resilience Round (10 minutes): Answer 6 rapid-fire questions to contribute to our trend report focused on retailer resilience. Quick, fun, and impactful!
If you’re interested in being interviewed and featured, please click the button below to submit your inquiry.
Activation: Pickle Ball
Location: Booth #2249
Description: Looking to show off your competitive side? Courtesy of 4Joy Paddles and Fresh Pickle, you’ll be able to play Pickle Ball right on the show floor (away from the Summer heat!).
SUNDAY
AUGUST 4
YOUR EVENT SCHEDULE
Nelly Rodi Spring/Summer 2025 Trend Presentation | 11:30 am
Time: 11:30 am
Date: Sunday, August 4
Location: Content Lounge (Between Aisles 1000-1100)
Workshop: Unleash the AI Advantage: Ignite Your Retail Brand's Digital Success with ChatGPT | 1:30 pm
Moderator: Crystal Vilkaitis, Owner, Crystal Media
Time: 1:30 pm
Date: Sunday, August 4
Location: Content Lounge (Between Aisles 1000-1100)
Description: Discover the game-changing potential of AI and ChatGPT for independent retailers! This seminar unveils practical strategies to save time, generate content ideas, support marketing efforts, and optimize websites. With insider tips and pro techniques, you’ll learn how to stand out on social media, captivate your audience, and skyrocket your online presence while saving a ton of time. Join Crystal Media CEO and social media expert, Crystal Vilkaitis, for an exciting and important session that will revolutionize the way you thrive in the digital marketplace. No technical knowledge required.
MONDAY
AUGUST 5
YOUR EVENT SCHEDULE
Tour: Global Trends Tour | 10:00 am
Tour Leader: Patti Carpenter, Principal + Global Trend Ambassador, carpenter + company/Trendscope
Time: 10:00 am
Date: Monday, August 5
Meeting Location: Buyer’s Lounge (Between Aisles (1100-1200)
Description: Join Global Trend Ambassador, Patti Carpenter, on a tour intertwining and exploring global and domestic vendors, as we discover and uncover the trends found at NY NOW that will impact and influence design for 2024 and beyond.
Meet the Shopify Team | 10:30 am
Time: 10:30 am
Date: Monday, August 5
Location: The Pop-Up Lounge (Main Aisle, between 700-800)
Panel: Differentiating Online & In-Store Experiences | 11:30 am
Moderator:
– Colin Daniels, Editor, AdWeek
Speakers:
– Grace Kang, Founder & Chief Buyer, Pink Olive
– Katherine Lewin, Founder & CEO, Shop Big Night
– Audrey Woollen, Founder, Urbanic
– Renée Meola, Director of Happiness, Foundry42
Time: 11:30 am
Date: Monday, August 5
Location: Content Lounge (Between Aisles 1000-1100)
Description: It’s more important than ever to lean into strategies that help you stand out in today’s retail landscape and engage customers, everywhere they are. Digital first brands are venturing into physical retail spaces while traditional retailers are innovating by expanding store concepts and introducing fresh formats that resonate with today’s consumers. Learn how to leverage technology, navigate disruptive channels and deliver personalized interactions to drive growth and foster customer loyalty, both online and offline.
Workshop: 5 Strategies for Launching Products in Your Store | 1:30 pm
Moderator: Nicole Swartz, Founder, Sprout Law
Speaker: Kelly Bennett, Founder, With Kelly Bennett
Time: 1:30 pm
Date: Monday, August 5
Location: Content Lounge (Between Aisles 1000-1100)
Description: As you’re walking the floor and looking for new products to your retail store, there’s incredible opportunities to discover your next best seller, drive sales, and attract new customers. And your strategy for launching new products starts on the tradeshow floor. In this workshop, you’ll learn 5 industry-leading strategies for launching new products at your retail shop. Learn from industry expert, Kelly Bennett, leading Brand Strategist. Moderated by Nicole Swartz, leading Trademark attorney for women owned businesses. Bring your pen and paper for this must attend workshop!
Panel: Trend Spotlight: Wellness on the Rise | 2:30 pm
Speakers:
– Sally Wolf, Wellbeing Advisor & Advocate
– Caryn Johnson, CEO, Bond
– Amanda Mitchell, Contributor, Refinery 29, Allure, and Byrdie
– Michele Zipper, The Well Center
Time: 2:30 pm
Date: Monday, August 5
Location: Content Lounge (Between Aisles 1000-1100)
Description: We’re putting a spotlight on the opportunity surrounding the exponential growth of the beauty and wellness sector. We’ll explore the key trends, emerging market opportunities and innovative strategies leveraged by the brands and retailers winning in this segment.
Networking Reception | 100 Years of NY NOW Celebration | 4:30 pm
TUESDAY
AUGUST 6
YOUR EVENT SCHEDULE
Tour: Social Impact & Sustainability | 10:00 am
Tour Leader: Helen Joffe, Rising Artisans Consultant, NY NOW
Time: 10:00 am
Date: Tuesday, August 6
Location: Buyer’s Lounge (Between Aisles (1100-1200)
Description: Transcend commerce and inspire positive change. This tour will give you the opportunity to engage with visionary artisans and pioneers who are redefining the way business is done. Discover the captivating stories behind these brands’ creations, where innovation meets sustainability and craftsmanship intertwines with ethical practices. Witness the power of conscious consumerism firsthand, and how your choices as a buyer can shape a better future for retail.
Panel: Pursuing Innovative Products for the Modern Consumer | 1:30 pm
Moderator: Tamara Kraus, Senior Editor, CNN Underscored
Speakers:
– Cody Risinger, Buyer – Kitchen & Tabletop, West Elm
– Mariah Samost, Founder/CEO, materlog.com
– Rachel Krupa, Founder, The Goods Mart
Time: 1:30 pm
Date: Tuesday, August 6
Location: Content Lounge (Between Aisles 1000-1100)
Description: From identifying emerging trends, to harnessing innovation and highlighting brand values, uncover insights into how retailers can stay ahead of the curve by anticipating and meeting evolving consumer needs.
Panel: Meeting Consumer’s Expectations to Maximize Relevancy & Loyalty | 2:30 pm
Moderator: Robin Kramer, Founder & CEO, Red Boot Consulting
Speakers:
– Jennifer Luna, Owner, Paper Luxe
– Julie Gaines, Owner, Fishs Eddy
– Michael Schultz, Co-Owner, Cursive Home
Time: 2:30 pm
Date: Tuesday, August 6
Location: Content Lounge (Between Aisles 1000-1100)
Description: Gen Z and millennials hold the keys to the retail industry’s future and understanding their preferences is crucial. Retailers must invest time in discovering what motivates them and how they differ from other generations. This cohort demands cutting edge technology, exceptional in store experiences and genuine brand authenticity.