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Get to know industry Renaissance man, Jesse James

Jesse James is the founder of product agency Aesthetic Movement, which serves clients in the gift, home, jewelry and personal accessories industry. He is also the founder and show director of Shoppe Object and co-founder of Sir/Madam, a brand of ceramic, glass, stone, metal and textile products with a focus on cooking, dining and entertaining.

Shoppe Object serves it up!

With an unrivaled curation of the very best in home, gift, tabletop, and more, SHOPPE OBJECT takes place in August and February on Manhattan's Lower East Side, and in a permanent, light-filled space at High Point Market in North Carolina each October and April. This summer’s edition features an expanded show floor across two neighboring locations in New York City: Skylight at Essex Crossing, and Pier 36 along the East River. Plan your trip to visit SHOPPE OBJECT, August 4-6, 2024, to experience a new standard for the modern market.

Shoppe Object is back for more

Returning for its sophomore showcase, the highly popular Shoppe Object—a curated home and gift show featuring more than 100 brands and makers—will pop up on the third floor of the Historic Market Square.

NY Shoppe Object Expands for February

Shoppe Object, a New York trade event for curated home and gift, has announced that its February show (February 4-6, 2024) will be expanding yet again, including a second venue to accommodate rapid growth. In lieu of the tent that previously maximized Shoppe Object’s Pier 36 home, the event has added a venue twice the size — the recently renovated Skylight at Essex Crossing in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The two neighboring venues are less than a mile apart – Pier 36 and Essex Crossing — and will house the entirety of the expanded show, with convenient, frequent shuttles running between the two locations.

High Point highlights, Z Gallerie goes bankrupt and more

“One of the new things that we saw at the market was this Shoppe Object. I’m curious to hear from both of you what your impressions were. I thought it looked lovely. There were a lot of interesting companies, small brands that got to come and participate in market…”

The best debuts at High Point Fall Market

Shoppe Object’s sun-drenched third floor showroom at Market Square was truly a sight to behold. In addition to candy-hued acrylic trays by Alexandra Von Furstenberg and a rainbow of tinted glasswares from Sir/Madam, eye-catchers included Misette’s delightfully embroidered linens; gorgeous hand-illustrated wallcoverings from The Lawns; and Moore & Giles’s shaggy shearling beanbag-accented booth.

Market musings: Was High Point Fall 2023 a successful market? 

If you were to ask 10 people whether the High Point Fall 2023 market was busy, you would get 10 different answers. It depended on where you were and when. Shoppe Object, which made its premiere on the third floor of Historic Market Square, was buzzing. That helped dispell the notion that there was ‘nothing new to see’, a sentiment that has persisted since markets resumed post-pandemic. While many manufacturers continued managing the influx of products that finally arrived after months of sitting on the water, Shoppe Object introduced unique niche brands, a trend that has intrigued me for a while now.

High Point Market Fall 2023: An AD PRO Essential Guide

Home and gift show Shoppe Object has garnered applause for its culmination of top-notch small-batch makers. Now, for the first time ever, the semi-annual retail showcase is traveling beyond its New York footprint — and bringing more than 100 of its featured craftspeople with it. Set to take over the third floor at Historic Market Square, the show-in-a-show will present block-printing specialists Soil to Studio, Bauhaus-inspired Hangai Mountain Textiles, urbane ceramicists Dumais Made, and minimalist handwoven textile maker Sien + Co.

Shoppe Object is coming to High Point Market

Nearly a year ago, ANDMORE (formerly IMC) acquired Shoppe Object—the New York–based home and lifestyle trade show positioned as a more artisan-centric alternative to its larger corporate counterparts—along with the show’s Shoppe Online B2B e-commerce platform. Among other investments in Shoppe Object’s growth, the purchase promised to take the budding fair beyond its semiannual New York showings by exploring regional extensions in ANDMORE (formerly IMC) venues across the country.

Shoppe Object Expands For February Show

The Winter 2023 edition of Shoppe Object, a New York trade event for curated home and gift, will take place February 5-7 at Manhattan’s Pier 36. The sold-out show, with a 30 percent increase in exhibitors over a record-setting summer 2022 market, will fill a newly constructed expansion pavilion next to their Pier 36 home, showcasing more than 500 exhibitors.

How is Shoppe Object getting bigger?

Shoppe Object’s sold-out winter show scheduled for next month will feature 30% more exhibitors and has expanded its space with a newly constructed pavilion to fit everyone.

The show will take place Feb. 5-7 at Manhattan’s Pier 26 and will feature increased sponsorship of talented Black designers through Shoppe Object’s Black Lives Matter Action Initiative, the return of country pavilions (including Showcase Japan and Made In Ireland) and new strategic partnerships designed to bring more fresh product to market.

Shoppe Object celebrates high attendance

Six months after its acquisition by ANDMORE (formerly IMC), Shoppe Object’s summer market, Aug. 14-16, celebrated its biggest show yet with doubled attendance from the previous year — and an increase of 20% over the February edition — in a sold-out Pier 36 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

What’s in store for Shoppe Object? Founder Jesse James weighs in

Shoppe Object’s recent summer market celebrated its biggest show yet with doubled attendance from the previous year — and an increase of 20% over the February edition — in a sold-out Pier 36 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. We caught up with founder Jesse James to learn more about its new owner, ANDMORE (formerly IMC) its growth trajectory, and the future of markets in New York.

Largest Ever Shoppe Object Offers More To Love

The curated home and gift trade show Shoppe Object is set to host its seventh edition this summer, Aug. 14-16, in New York City, with a record sell-out — 14 weeks ahead of the event — brining its unique assortment of seminal design brands and up-an-coming makers to Pier 36.

ANDMORE (formerly IMC) acquires Shoppe Object

ANDMORE (formerly IMC) announced today it has entered into an agreement to purchase Shoppe Object. The acquisition includes the New York–based home and lifestyle trade show—which is often billed as a more curated, intimate alternative to its larger corporate counterparts—and its Shoppe Online B2B e-commerce platform of Shoppe Object.

ANDMORE (formerly IMC) to Acquire Shoppe Object

ANDMORE (formerly IMC) has made an agreement to acquire Shoppe Object, a design-focused home and lifestyle tradeshow and its Shoppe Online B2B ecommerce platform.

ANDMORE (formerly IMC) Acquires Shoppe Object and Shoppe Online

ANDMORE (formerly IMC) announced that it has acquired Shoppe Object, a design-focused home and lifestyle trade show and its Shoppe Online B2B e-commerce platform.

Ireland is centered around craft and craftsmanship.

“In the design show space we are a minnow, says Brian McGee, market and enterprise development director at the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI). The overall perception of Ireland is limited, a small population with small business, but it is centered around craft and craftsmanship, he explains. In textiles, for example, ‘we have a tradition and handwriting’.

He’s spearheading the attendance of a group of Irish makers at Shoppe Object in New York, a retail-focused fair featuring small objects, that begins on September 19th. It’s an experiment, he says, to try and run an event at arms’ length with the stand manned by US-based people.”

Japanese craftsmanship with modern, progressive designs.

“Shoppe Object's virtual homeware fair Shoppe Online is presenting Showcase: Japan, a handpicked selection of gifts, homewares and accessories from 25 Japanese brands.

Showcase: Japan sells a wide variety of goods that combine traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern, progressive designs from brands including Kimoto Glass Tokyo, Style of Japan, Kamawanu and Aderia.”

What will it take for trade shows to thrive in the COVID era—and beyond?

“It didn’t start as a calculated decision. Jesse James, founder of product agency Aesthetic Movement and co-founder of Shoppe Object, was simply tired of large corporate trade shows. ‘I spent decades in the halls of convention centers doing trade shows with my showroom. In the beginning, I looked forward to it—it was my favorite time of year. But it had gotten to a place where it was the time of year I dreaded most,’ he tells host Warren Shoulberg on the debut episode of Business of Home’s new podcast, Retail Watch. Listen in to hear more about Shoppe Object’s inception — and future!

Of the 385 Brands at This Digital Design Fair, These Are the 5 to Know

“As far as design fairs go, Shoppe Object, with its mix of up-and-coming designers and established favorites, is definitely one of our most-anticipated. Luckily, the people behind the biannual event are taking their fall showcase digital this year—mark your calendars for August 24, and keep an eye on their homepage. For the first time ever, the four-day trade show will be open to the public, including a series of live discussions on everything from sustainability to coffee table books.

Shoppe Object has always been one of our not-so-secret sources for discovering under-the-radar brands, and the online version (dubbed “Shoppe On”) is no different. There will be 385 small businesses to peruse on the platform, ranging from eco-friendly dinnerware to hand-woven textiles to one-of-a-kind furniture—here are five worth bookmarking early…”

Mastering the Modern Marketplace

“The seismic effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our social and economic landscapes are not yet completely clear. Still, changes are already rippling across established norms of culture and industry, creating new standards of responsibility, ethics, performance, and community. In the Home industry, postponement and cancellation of trade shows has created unimaginable challenges for both suppliers and retailers, and placed unique, new burdens on market centers and show producers. Join us for discussion and debate with those on the front lines of change, and hear how markets are responding today as well as their visions for meeting the evolving needs of suppliers, retailers, exhibitors, and attendees.”

FEATURING:
Tom Mirabile - Founder, Springboard Futures
Dorothy Belshaw - EVP/CMO, International Market Centers
Tim Hart - SVP of Retail, Emerald Expositions
Jesse James - Founder, Shoppe Object
Leana Salamah - VP of Marketing, International Housewares Association
Joan Ulrich - EVP of Leasing, Dallas Market Center

SO Co-Founders Minya Quirk & Deirdre Maloney On Home Trends To Dominate In 2020

“We started the show with a tight assortment of 100 brands, with pioneers like MoMA, Chilewich, Hawkins New York, MQuan Studio, and Tantuvi, and we just wrapped our latest edition with over 500.” Today, major makers like Vitra, Artek, HAY, Areaware, Marimekko, and Taschen have joined Shoppe Object's roster — and each show's iteration is stronger than the last. “Everything we've done has been based on the idea that it could be done better,” says Deirdre. Curating the brands that show on the floor is a process, but the pair looks “first and foremost for an elevated design sensibility” — and then makes sure there's something for everyone on the day of. “Small, wonky handmade ceramics sit beside hefty, slick acrylic accessories — and we like that juxtaposition. Our goal is to round up a cross section of the best, most beautiful objects for home and giving under one roof,” adds Minya.”

Our 3 Favorite Trends From New York’s Coolest Design Fair

“There aren’t many things for which team Domino will wake up early on a Monday and make the trek across Manhattan, but Shoppe Object definitely fits the bill; the biannual design show is one of our must-sees. Hundreds of brands, from upstate New York to Australia, convene to showcase their upcoming products, set up in equally photogenic booths. Between the color inspo (hint: Yves Klein blue is still going strong) and the delightful finds (we’re still thinking about SGW Lab’s teeny-tiny ceramic pots), it’s a decor lover’s mecca. Plus, taper candles with a twist!”

Changing The Narrative

“As the big movements in retail seem to be heading in diametrically opposed directions – either desperately seeking bargain pricing or trumping up conspicuous consumption – there is a smaller, slower, and infinitely more sustainable movement afoot. This one seeks authenticity, experience, engagement, and a focus on what lasts, what matters. It’s about moving forward, going against the grain, and changing the narrative. It requires some risk, and it’s growing. All of us on our small team at Shoppe Object are nothing short of overwhelmed by gratitude for the courage, creativity, foresight, and fierce spirit of all of the brands, merchants and tastemakers who took a chance on our fledgling show, and who helped to turn it, virtually overnight, into a force of change, and a manifestation of shared enthusiasm.”

11 Design Brands New To SO

“This season Shoppe Object welcomes 200 new brands large and small. From heavy hitters like Vitra and Marimekko to artisans like ceramicist Raina J. Lee, here is AD PRO’s short list for what’s new! Read on to see the top design-forward brands Architectural Digest is looking forward to seeing at the show.”

Showcase Japan at Shoppe Object

“When I first visited Shoppe Object, I was so impressed with how the organizers curated the exhibitors by hand selecting them. I felt the atmosphere, size of the event, and the type of buyers attending were best suited to showcase these Japanese products.”

There’s A Me in NYC

“There’s a new kid in town (actually, toddler, it’s their third show) : Shoppe Object – a gathering of the coolest of cool from NYNow. …they plucked the best lifestyle brands off and corralled them all in one new spot. And it’s really good. All the hipness happens over on the East Side Pier now. So that’s less soul-crushing, for me.”

The Six Irish Brands Showing At This Year's Shoppe Object NYC

“One of the most influential and exciting trade shows in America, Shoppe Objet is renowned for its considered and unique collection of designers. This year, six Irish brands have been selected to take part, giving each a chance to meet buyers, international press and other makers. Here are the brands flying the Irish flag this weekend…”

10 Products We Loved…

“Last week was a wonderful time for design scouting in New York as the two biggest design and gift fairs took over Manhattan. Between NY Now at the Javits Center and Shoppe Object at Pier 36, there was plenty of new product to admire, with a special emphasis on small-scale makers and handcrafted goods. From fabric to furniture, glassware, and ceramics — plus no shortage of new design brands to watch — these products are some of our favorite finds from the shows.”

For The Love Of Objects

“Community is something that is earned, not given, and it demands and deserves careful tending. Last year, organically and quickly, I pitched an idea to friends to launch our own trade show, Shoppe Object. If work is life, it seems it was time to take further ownership of both, in all ways. With knowledge of product and the experience of the workings of the trade side of the business, I wanted to take this life, this career, this community and this industry to a new level. I feel so grateful to know so many people in the world of makers and beautiful things, and I want the Shoppe Object experience to be as fun, enticing, thrilling, and invigorating for all of us — as I know it can be.”

Shoppe Object Spotlights Artistic Edge In Discreet Setting

“… while Shoppe Object, which wrapped up earlier this week at Pier 36 Manhattan’s Lower East Side, parallels its closest competitor, NY Now at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the presentation veers into territory that is more intimate between shoppers and exhibitors.”

Dueling Design Fairs: Rug Trends…

“The competition got heated in the design show business last weekend with overlapping dates for two dueling fairs in Manhattan: the fledgling Shoppe Object and the established NY Now. After debuting August 2018 in two locations with 250 brands on show, Shoppe Object doubled its presentation to more 450 brands all under one roof at Pier 36 from Aug. 10 -12. Rug exhibitors at the summer edition included Amadi, Domada, Leah Singh, Egypt-based Kilim, and Tantuvi.”

Top Gift Markets: What To Know Before You Go

“Stacy Maiano of Red Sail, an accessory, home and gift boutique in Portland, OR, says she has found hundreds of designers that she loves at ShoppeObject. She told us she loves that the show is much more curated than some of the others she has attended and that the quality of the designers is impeccable.

Minya Quirk, ShoppeObject’s co-founder, said, “We have an eye on advanced and progressive design-minded brands.” According to Quirk, they make an effort to bring in sophisticated exhibitors who cater to top-tier buyers.”

Best New Perfumes From Shoppe Object

“As is my wont, I went in search of things that smelled good. Many olfactory treasures were scattered among the luscious textiles and sleek ceramics. Trade shows are a great opportunity to try new offerings from brands you already know as well to try brands for the first time. Trend spotting is always fun, too. I was very pleased with a trend I noticed pretty quickly: it was a rose parade at Shoppe Object! And of course the move toward “clean”, “cruelty-free”, “vegan” was still in full effect.”

2019 Gifted Mover & Shakers

“Jesse James, Founder of Aesthetic Movement and Co-Founder of Shoppe Object, was just named a 2019 Gifted Mover & Shaker by Gifts & Decorative Accessories. In the interview, conducted by Lenise Wills, James talks about the origins of Shoppe Object, the motivations behind it, and what the future holds.

Why did you start Shoppe Object?

After 20 years at the gift show, I was no longer having any fun. The experience was on a rapid decline, and as hard as we tried to engage in dialogue, it seemed no one was listening. Things had come to a breaking point; that façade exhibitors would keep up when comparing notes had finally dropped, and everyone was sort of like, “This sucks!” I walked out of the winter 2018 show feeling exhausted and defeated, and I woke up the next day unwilling to let that experience define my life. The answer seemed so simple: good people, great product, a nice environment and an enjoyable experience. I thought, “I love this community, and I want to feel the vibes again.” It really was as simple as that. By nothing short of cosmic coincidence, the day I called Minya was the day she and Deirdre were popping a bottle of champagne to celebrate the closing of a deal to sell their show, so when I said, “Hey, do you want to start a new one?” she was like, “Call me crazy, but sure!” The three of us had a meeting a few days later, and we were all inspired enough to jump in head first. That’s how my partners and I pulled off the first Shoppe Object in just three short months.”

How One Chic Young Upstart Is Rethinking The Trade Show

Some exhibitors share their hope that the new show will embody some of what more-established trade shows do not. Exhibitor Anki Spets, the Swedish designer behind Area, a bedding and accessories brand, tells Business of Home, “I am looking forward to [Shoppe Object], as I think it will have a pioneer feel to it. ... I am looking for an environment that reflects the products and the stores we sell to.”

Gabrielle Zola, manager of business development and wholesale, retail, at MoMA, says the fair's independence is particularly appealing. "We see Shoppe Object as a boutique for boutiques and a destination for independent brands and retailers to connect and discover new products. Every aspect of our industry is evolving—from the types of products we sell to the way we sell them—and a new show is the perfect way to celebrate those changes. Progress and evolution is in our DNA, so it's important for MoMA to be involved in these changes from the start."

Shoppe Object, The New Trade Show You Need To Know

“One thing I'm excited about is that we have wonderful anchors who are familiar faces and seminal brands who people will know, but we also have people that have never been seen in a show setting," James says. "So a buyer coming in will find true newness and engage with people who either couldn't afford the giant convention center setting or didn't feel like that was the best place for them." James declined to give exact pricing for the show but noted that, besides being less than shows in convention centers, Shoppe Object offered more choice in square footage. "Some brands can represent themselves well in a much smaller footprint, like one of our 4 foot by 9 foot spaces, and still make the impression that they want," he says.

That said, the participating vendors all have a certain shared ethos, centered around hand craftsmanship. It's an important way of giving the show its own sense of identity. "It's too gargantuan," says James of the traditional trade-show model. "The idea that you can provide something for everyone isn't the reality of today. We're in a much more specialized time when people want to find their niche. I feel like this is a much more intimate opportunity to engage with people for real; those who are creating unique retail spaces want to meet the people who are creating the products they sell. They want to have genuine conversations and to hang out a bit.”