Showcase Ireland 2015

"Now in its 9th year – the Showcase 2014 Training Programme offers Cork businesses in the craft/ gift/ cosmetic /design/ fashion sectors an opportunity to exhibit at Ireland’s largest trade Gift Show, Showcase, January 18th to 21st, 2015.

Showcase, Ireland's Creative Expo is now the foremost place for retailers to discover unique, design-led fashion and knitwear, jewellery, craft, gift and interiors. A total of 15 Cork craft micro enterprises will participate in the program. The participants came from a diverse range craft disciplines including award winning jeweller Angela O’Keeffe; and stylish illustrator Fergal O’Dea from O’Dea’s Irish Art.

Over 5,700 people are employed in Ireland by the entrepreneurial small and medium sized businesses that rely on Showcase to reach international customers. Showcase estimates trade order sales in excess of €20 million in 2014; playing a major part in the crafts sector’s contribution to the Irish economy of almost €500 million annually.

The 4 month business programme is designed to train and empower participants in display, retail sales strategy, product selection and branding. This training was designed to offer participants the tools to target and sell more effectively within the Gift & Craft retail sector. The objective of the programme is to increase sales and profitability and expose their product offers to the retail buyer in a professional and competitive environment.

“The wealth and depth of Cork creative sector is evident again in the 2015 exhibitor, the vast majority are first time to Showcase and are focused on securing retail accounts for their work” said Sean O’Sullivan, Head of Local Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office South Cork.