/R E P E A T -- What's Trending in Canadian Retail? Toronto Gift Show Reveals Hot Product Innovations for Spring/Summer 2012/

- Over 16,000 Retailers Convene for Canada's Largest Gift Show -

TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - While snow white is the colour of the winter season, Canada's retailers are already thinking ahead as they stock up on the latest Spring/Summer product offerings at the Toronto Gift Show, running January 29th - February 2nd. Boldly coloured kitchen gadgets, gourmet cupcakes, floral and geometric fabrics and retro picnics make up just some of the product innovations across six major consumer categories that are set to inspire retailers across Canada for the Spring and Summer seasons.

The semi-annual Canadian Gift & Tableware Association (CGTA) Toronto Gift Show is Canada's must-attend event, attracting over 16,000 retailers from across Canada and internationally to source the newest, most innovative products from more than 900 vendors. Conveniently held at Toronto's International Centre and Congress Centre, near Pearson International airport, this influential, five-day event is a vital part of retailers' buying season and the largest giftware trade event in Canada.

What:	Spring 2012 Toronto Gift Show
When:	Sunday, January 29       Monday, January 30     Tuesday, January 31     Wednesday, February 1    Thursday, February 2	9 am - 6 pm 9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 7 pm 9 am - 6 pm 9 am - 3 pm
Who:	More than 900 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and groundbreaking retail trends.
Where:	International Centre, 6900 Airport Road Congress Centre South and North Buildings, 650 Dixon Road Media Lounge - International Centre, Hall 1

**NOTE TO EDITORS**
Exhibitors, industry experts and show organizers are available for interview.

Special features of the show include the New Product Galleries, showcasing new, trend-leading and unusual products from more than 150 exhibitors, the Kitchen Spotlight, a demo kitchen with tips and techniques from chef Don Cruickshanks, featuring best-selling houseware and tabletop items, and Showcase Canada, a comprehensive collection of Canadian-designed and manufactured products, ranging from jewellery to one-of-a-kind sculptures. The show also offers free educational seminars featuring leading retail authorities as well as design and display demonstrations and business consultations.

Generating more than $10 billion in annual sales at the wholesale level, the Canadian gift industry represents a high-growth sector of the economy and employs over 25,000 people in manufacturing and wholesaling. It also helps to sustain a large number of independent retailers, artists and artisans across the country.

About the CGTA
The Canadian Gift and Tableware Association (CGTA) is the pulse of Canada's $10-billion giftware industry.  Embodying the entrepreneurial instinct and spirit, the CGTA is a national, not-for-profit association dedicated to improving its members' competitive capability and business effectiveness by enhancing local, national and global opportunities. The CGTA is comprised of over 1,400 members made up of leading Canadian giftware manufacturers, importers, exporters, distributors and wholesalers.

The CGTA owns and manages the Toronto, Montreal and Alberta Gift Shows as well as TRIPS West, allowing for a national tradeshow presence in the industry.  The twice-a-year events also provide significant economic stimulus to their respective markets, bringing together thousands of retail suppliers with thousands of prospective buyers. Further information is available at www.cgta.org.

Julia Harper
Idea Workshop
416-504-3977 ext. 25
647-330-4706
[email protected]