Media Contact:
Meg Estevez
Meg.Estevez@emeraldx.com
SF NOW™ + *Noted successfully launched their first in-person April 2022 Market in San Francisco
This exciting new wholesale show reported high quality attendance and order-writing from top brands and makers.
New York, NY (May 9, 2022) – SF NOW™ + *Noted successfully launched their first in-person April Market at the vibrant Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture April 28 and 29, 2022. A joint effort by Emerald, producers of NY NOW®, and the non-profit Greeting Card Association (GCA), producers of *Noted: The Greeting Card Expo. The market gave buyers an opportunity to discover a wide range of stationery, gift, home, and lifestyle products on the West Coast. Strong attendance fostered and strengthened business-to-business connections, spurred transactions, and ensured the two-day market was exciting, memorable, and an immense success.
SF NOW + *Noted welcomed hundreds of buyers, from across the country. Attendees sourced products from top tier exhibitors including Rifle Paper Co., Maison Duquesne, SF Mercantile, Quick Brown Fox Letterpress, Blackwing, Fell, Savannah Bee Company, Niquea.D, Philippa Roberts, Notabag/Umby, PAPYRUS, and many more.
As part of the April 2022 Market, the Enhanced Directory powered by Elastic, was introduced. This powerful tool allowed buyers to do their research preshow and connect with the exhibitors. It will be available post-show for buyers to continue to discover brands and products and build connections.
“We were so excited to be in San Francisco for the very first April Market as we continue in our mission to support our industry, showcase our vendors, and introduce buyers to the best new products across stationery, gift, home, lifestyle products and more,” said Karalynn Sprouse, Executive Vice President of SF NOW. “This market brought unparalleled success with many vendors reporting record-breaking orders. We are looking forward to another successful market in San Francisco next year and cannot wait to continue this trajectory.”
“There was great synergy between Emerald, with its expertise in buyer-driven events, and the non-profit GCA with our mission to support and promote our maker members,” says GCA Executive Director, Nora Weiser. “Bringing these two elements together created a truly unique experience for exhibitors and buyers to connect as a community.”
GCA recognized the year’s most outstanding greeting cards and creatives, with its 33rd Annual Louie Awards announced at a ceremony held the evening before the show. A full list of finalists and winners can also be found here.
Top honors went to:
Card of the Year $5 and Below: Good Juju Ink
Card of the Year Above $5: Seedlings
Writer of the Year: Morgan Harper Nichols, Biely & Shoaf Co.
Artist of the Year: Elicia Castaldi, Girl w/Knife
Rising Star: She Said It
“You broke the show mold. Created a unique, open floorplan that promotes easy communication between buyers and vendors. The setting is wonderful to shop in and explore. Good food available, friendly show staff and excited vendors. Show well done!!!.” said Howard Schwartz, owner of Whitney Howard Designs.”
SF NOW also announced the winners of its April 2022 Market Awards. A full list of finalists and winners can also be found here:
Award Winners:
Piffany USA – The Wattage Lamp – Best Product Award
Pink Lemonade LLC – Best Booth Design
Best Product Award Finalists:
CMYK Technology Inc. / Just Dutch (US)
Additional buyer and exhibitor testimonials can be found here. For more information on the April 2023 Market, please email meg.estevez@emeraldx.com and follow along on social media @sanfran_now for timely updates. https://nynow.com/sf-now/
About the Greeting Card Association:
Founded in 1941, The Greeting Card Association (GCA) is the non-profit U.S. trade association serving the greeting card and social expressions industry. GCA represents nearly 200 American and international publishers and industry partners by promoting the tradition of sending greeting cards, helping members grow their businesses, recognizing creativity, and serving the industry and citizen mailer as a voice for media, leadership, and advocacy on industry issues. www.greetingcard.org
About NY NOW:
NY NOW is today’s wholesale market for tomorrow’s retail world. Rich with diverse products for discerning retailers, museum stores and specialty buyers. Where artisans meet designers, celebrate creativity and tell their stories. Where eclectic products shine, from home style to fashion statements, from amazing accessories to the perfect gift. Twice a year in New York City, America’s design capital. NY NOW is the best platform to build brand exposure. To generate leads and write orders. www.nynow.com
About Emerald:
Emerald is a leader in building dynamic, market-driven business-to-business platforms that integrate live events with a broad array of industry insights, digital tools, and data-focused solutions to create uniquely rich experiences. As true partners, we at Emerald strive to build our customers’ businesses by creating opportunities that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. With over 140 events each year, our teams are creators and connectors who are thoroughly immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com