Success at Showcase for Cork Craft Businesses
With the assistance of the Cork County & City Enterprise Boards, Nine Cork Craft producers exhibited at Showcase - Irelands Creative Expo held last week, Jan 22 - 25 in the RDS in Dublin.
Despite the difficult retail trading conditions the experience and sales secured by all nice businesses was uplifiting with buyers frim iconic stores such as the Blarney Woollen Mills, Kilkenny Group and Glen Aran placing orders with the Cork craft producers. There was also positive news with international buyers from Japan, UK and the USA writing orders for the dynamic and stylish products on offer from Cork.
Success was in the air from the outset with products from 3 of hte 9 winning the coveted titale for 'Top 50 New Products at Showcase' inlucing Claddagh Desings from macroom, Gosling Games from Clonakilty and Cattapilla Designs from Bere Island. This prestigious award was chosen by a panel of independent retailers and specilaists in trade. Claddagh Design, stylish contemporary jewellery, Gosling Games, board games and jigsaws and Cattapilla Desing, wool fashion accessories, were judged on their design, pricing and qulaity and are notable in that all 3 products are 100% made in Cork.
The highlight of Showcase for one of the producers, Rynhart bronze, based in Glengarriff, was meeting President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins; Audrey Rynhart noting “We have been working closing with West Cork Enterprise Board for the last twelve months and have had so much support from their team – and so honoured to have been chosen to represent the County & City Enterprise Boards clients, in the ‘Look Up’ area of Showcase and to meet with the President in person.”
Cattapilla Design stylish clutch bags also flew the Cork flag at the Showcase Fashion 2012, to represent Irish fashion, the show directed and produced by Sonia Reynolds. The gift products from Cork emphasised design, trend and price and with 4 exhibitors selected for “New Trends” area with highlights the “hot products” for 2012.
The overall experience by all 9 exhibitors was positive with Shanagarry based designer Belinda Northcote featuring in the Irish Examiner and the Irish Independent as she launched her new collection of interiors and accessions at Showcase 2012.
Showcase is the foremost place for Irish and International Trade Buyers to discover unique design led fashion and knitwear, jewellery, craft, gift and interiors.