Showcase Ireland 2012

 Nine Cork SME’s exhibited at Showcase 2012 with the support of Cork County & City Enterprise Board.  Showcase, Ireland's Creative Expo held last week, Jan 22 – 25 is the foremost place for Irish and International trade buyers to discover unique, design-led fashion and knitwear, jewellery, craft, gift and interiors.  Despite the difficult retail trading conditions the experience and sales secured by all nine companies was uplifting, with buyers from iconic stores such as Blarney Woollen Mills, Kilkenny Group and Glen Aran placing orders with the Cork SME’s.  There was also positive news with international buyers from Japan, the UK and USA writing orders for the dynamic and stylish products on offer from Cork.
 
Success was in the air at the outset with products from 3 of the 9 SME’s, Claddagh Design from Macroom, Gosling Games from Clonakilty and Cattapilla Design from Bere lsland wining the coveted title of “Top 50 New Products at Showcase”.  This prestigious award was chosen by a panel of independent retailers, and specialists in trade.  Claddagh Design, stylish contemporary silver jewellery, Gosling Games, board games and jigsaws and Cattapilla Design wool fashion accessories were judged on their design, pricing and quality and notable that all 3 products are 100% made in Cork.

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.

The highlight of Showcase for Rynhart 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.”

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