What We Noted About *Noted

The third *Noted show and first ever *Noted+Gifted Expo took place April 17 & 18 at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture in San Francisco. From the festive mood at the 35^th annual Louie Awards ceremony and celebration to the expanded two-day pitch program to the dynamic integrated show floorplan and perfect San Francisco weather – everything conspired to create a warm and upbeat vibe.

Retailers expressed it best:

• “I always love the energy, the positivity and the feeling of community that comes with the *Noted show! It is inspiring to be amongst so many creative talents all in one incredible space surrounded by such an impressive venue!! Can’t wait for 2025!” – Cynthia Brown, Meijer (Grand Rapids, MI)
• “*Noted for me is the best show to meet new makers, see my favorite brands and have the chance to exchange insights with other people in the paper world.” - Jeremy Saumure, Flax Pen to Paper (Los Angeles, CA)
• “I really enjoy the convenience of having a variety of vendors to shop from under one roof in just two days.  Shopping for cards in-person is much faster for me than looking online.  I was already familiar with some of the vendors I placed orders with, but I also found several new lines as well.  I get excited when I find new makers because I know their product is something fun and different that my customers haven't seen before.  Keeping the product mix fresh is important, so finding new lines is vital to the success of our stationery department.” – Kandice Matsler, Barque Gifts (Lubbock, TX)

The following numbers also help tell the story behind the buoyant mood on the Fort Mason floor:

• 26 total buyers showed up early both mornings to act as Pitch Program receivers for 33 makers.
• Buyers came from 31 states. While 74% were from California, the show proved it could pull from as far away as New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Hawaii, and Ontario!
• Buyers represented over 1,500 retail locations, with chains such as Anthropologie, Books, Inc., Lockwood, Lola San Francisco, Meijer, Patina, Peets Coffee, Scandia Home, TJX Companies and World Market placing orders at Noted.
• 63 sales reps attended from 12 states.

The *Noted + Gifted Committee wishes to thank everyone who contributed their time, money, ideas, and effort – especially our Executive Director Nora Weiser and the team from Civica – Kori Sulewski, Endsley Eggert, and Mary Fitzgerald. We also want to thank American Greetings and Hallmark for their generous support.

If you attended, please make sure to complete your post-show survey to help next year’s Committee shape and improve *Noted + Gifted! Survey Link

Kate Murray, Quick Brown Fox Letterpress
Dave Phipps, Avanti Press, Inc.
2024 *Noted Committee Co-Chairs