IFDA, EWHT seek unified N.Y. market dates  

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 9/25/2007 12:08:00 PM

New York – Two groups of home furnishings professionals are pushing for a unified New York market schedule: the International Furnishing and Design Association (IFDA) NY Chapter and Executives Working in Home Textiles (EWHT) have sent an open letter to the Home Fashion Products Association urging a unified date system.

The letter reads, in part:

“We suggest that a collaborative effort in New York during August and January/February by the independent showrooms, GLM (producer of the show at Javits) , 7W 34th Street, 230 Fifth Avenue will present a solid reason for customers to visit the showrooms, Javits Center and enjoy the excitement that only New York can give visitors and customers.”

The two groups, which sponsor education and networking programs for members, students and the industry at large, said, “IFDA and EWHT members look forward to programs and events that are a part of the market week activity. As similar changes have occurred in other industries we see the unification of dates in the N.Y. market a positive step toward enticing industry members to N.Y. for a market showcase.”

The letter was addressed to HFPA president Diane Morris, and was co-signed by Susan Hirsh, president of IFDA, and Gloria Lang, facilitator of EWHT.

The next edition of the New York International Gift Fair/New York Home Textiles Market Week at Javits, 7 W. 34th and 230 Fifth Avenue will take place Jan. 31-Feb. 7, 2008.

The next showroom-based, volume-oriented New York Home Fashions Market will take place Feb. 11-15.