IMC Interview
Market movers When International Market Centre (IMC) acquired Shoppe Objet, the industry sat up and took note. But what next for the growing NYC-based show and, more importantly, where does the tableware industry fit in to the company’s plans? Tableware International spoke with Dorothy Belshaw, IMC’s executive vice president, chief customer and marketing officer… Dorothy, tell us more about the acquisition of Shoppe Object, what potential was identified there? IMC identified three key opportunities in its acquisition of Shoppe Object – supporting the show’s growth in the New York market, expanding its reach to other regions and incorporating its community-based ecommerce model into our new JuniperMarket ecommerce platform. Shoppe Object founder Jesse James is a long-time IMC partner, so we were familiar with his ability to create a well-defined experience and are confident in his ability to grow it with our investment. Shoppe Object fills the need for buyers – particularly those in New York and in the North-eastern US looking for a particular, well-defined aesthetic. There is also future opportunity for brand extension to other regions via our markets in Atlanta, High Point and Las Vegas. With IMC’s investment, we will be able to grow Shoppe Object while maintaining its unique voice in the trade show calendar. Additionally, the seamless ecommerce experience of Shoppe Online is a terrific corollary for the new JuniperMarket. The platforms share a content-focused
ecommerce model that drives sales throughout the year, making for natural compatibility.
What are your plans for developing Shoppe Object, what can we expect? The idea of “thoughtful growth” guides IMC’s development plans for Shoppe Object. That includes expanding the show, extending into new categories and presenting it in more regions – including potential collaboration with like-minded design fairs around the world – all with a focus on maintaining its well-defined point of view.
Talk to us a little about IMC and tabletop, is there perhaps potential for an IMC driven tabletop-only show in the US? Anything’s possible! Certainly, if we identify a need exists, IMC will consider it. Any IMC effort would be made in collaboration with the new tabletop association to help accomplish industry-wide goals. We do believe that cross-category markets and marketplaces are more relevant for buyers now. The ability for buyers to shop multiple categories under one roof creates efficiency and a more dynamic assortment helps them to think
about how to best balance their merchandise mix. Additionally, tabletop is sold in many channels today, so showing in a crosscategory market – like those in Atlanta, Las Vegas and High Point – gives brands the opportunity to reach beyond buyers focused solely on tabletop.
How big a role does tabletop play in IMC’s trade shows and is it an area where you see growth? Tabletop is a key vertical at Atlanta Market and a growing vertical at Las Vegas Market. We run the full gamut of complementary product from tabletop to gourmet housewares to specialty foods. Bolstering those offerings is
in items for the home.
Finally, from watching the market, what areas of growth in the home sector has IMC identified? The home sector has had an unbelievable run in the last couple of years with people really focused on the home as a result of the pandemic. Products across verticals from furniture to decorative accessories have been in huge demand. Across industries, there also is a new focus on values-based brands. Modern consumers are interested in buying products that are artisanal, one-of-a-kind, fairly traded and with a purpose from brands that are owned by underrepresented groups. The current
“Any IMC effort would be made in collaboration with the new tabletop association to help accomplish industrywide goals” decorative accessories and fine gifts that are often sold through the same channels. Gourmet and tabletop is a dynamic category right now that is synergistic with the current heightened interested
and next generation are focused on filling their homes with things that will have meaning for future generations and in line with this, IMC is expanding and amplifying these brands within our markets. TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL 49
