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The summer 2023 edition of Shoppe Object wrapped another sold-out show at Manhattan’s Pier 36 last week, delivering 20% attendance growth and exceeding core expansion goals, according to show executives.

Presenting nearly 600 brands from 24 countries in a maximized footprint, Shoppe Object’s new Cityside Pavilion made its summer market debut Aug. 13-15  on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

“This show marked five years since we first launched at the old H&H Bagel factory in 2018, and it really is a joy to see what has come of those early instincts,” shared Jesse James, founder and show director of Shoppe Object. “We wanted to create a better space for trade in New York, with vitality and curation befitting the very best brands and merchants of home and gift from the US and around the world. We’ve been on a steady path since that first show, and the jolt in international brands this season, combined with the continued exuberance in feedback from both our buyers and exhibitors, has really sealed the deal.”

The summer edition showcased a 50% increase in international attendees, as well as a strategic increase in products for the home.

“Shoppe Object is exciting,” said Angela Torgerson, executive manager and senior buyer for McNally Robinson Booksellers. “There were more vendors, more interesting products, and the show was very well organized.”

We love that Shoppe makes such an effort to cultivate community and engage both vendors and buyers,” shared exhibitor Alicia Scardetta of Coral & Tusk.

International exhibitors collectively represented nearly a quarter of the total market. Brands traveling from abroad showed a diverse range of product categories, and first-timers to Shoppe Object included household names like the iconic French knife maker Opinel and shopping trolleys from the Spanish brand Rolser, as well as Iris Hantverk’s handmade brushes from Sweden.

Japanese distributor SAIKAI made its return to the New York market and its Shoppe Object debut with close to 30 brands across categories from furniture to ceramics.

Opinel’s US Brand Manager Jessica Leitch shared, “Shoppe Object was a fun, captivating show for Opinel to be a part of. We’re thrilled with all the introductions made to our French brand — it was great to connect with our current buyers in a really engaging way while also meeting lots of new retailers! Plus, the event as a whole is so vibrant and aesthetically pleasing, filled with brands we were happy to be presented alongside.” Felix Redecker, of Redecker, a first-time exhibitor from Germany, enthused, “Great trade show! We were pleased to be among a terrific group of outstanding brands. The quality of exhibitors is important to us since it leads to quality customers, which is of great significance to us coming all the way from Europe.”

Returning international brands included lighting manufacturer Zafferano, from Italy, joined by Germany’s Blomus (home décor), South Africa’s Mungo (textiles), Canada’s Umbra (housewares), handmade wooden goods from Guatemala with Itza Wood and more.

Adding to the international presence at Shoppe Object was the show’s own collaboration with ByHand Consulting — now in its second season — to present the Global Artisan Project, a section featuring global goods from brands dedicated to preserving craft techniques, supporting artisan communities, and promoting the beauty of the handmade. Powered by People, a digital wholesaler of small-batch, responsibly-made goods, also showcased 24 lines from around the world, from Chile-based Chilote Shoes to Eswatini’s Quazi Design.

Also notable was the August edition’s 20% growth in home brands since the winter edition. About 55% of the August exhibit floor showed home categories, including Alexandra Von Fürstenberg, Chilewich, Pappelina, and Yamazaki, as well as designer favorites like KleinReid, MQuan Studio, Saved New York, Sir/Madam and Style Union Home.

Shoppe Object’s Black Lives Matter Action Initiative (BLMAI) sponsored 20 Black-owned brands in a hybrid format, offering both in-person booth space and digital exhibition through the show’s online marketplace, Shoppe Online. The program, now in its fifth season, was launched to amplify diversity in the home and gift space. Sponsoring brands across nearly every category, the Summer show’s participants included Sun & Lace’s leather baby shoes, woven lighting from Golden Editions, glassware from Cedric Mitchell Design and more.

Shoppe Object’s NOURISH section continues to be a fan favorite, featuring the latest in small-batch beauty and gourmet. Curated by Dr. Maria Geyman, Vogue contributor and the naturopathic doctor behind Masha Tea, the section spotlighted many fresh brands including Ciao Pappy, Dear Botanics, For Sea And Oats, Nala Care, Persons of Interest, and Beeswax Candles by Alysia Mazzella.

October’s Shoppe High Point

Shoppe Object’s new High Point edition — Shoppe High Point — will debut Oct. 14-17 with 100 new-to-High Point brands on the third floor of Historic Market Square, North Carolina.

“As we head into a new adventure with the launch of Shoppe High Point this October, it feels great to have the foundation of such an intentional community here in New York,” James said.