NRF Show in Flux for 2015

Dates of the National Retail Federation’s Big Show may be in danger in 2015, thanks to some schedule-shifting at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center supported by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo has decided to move the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s New York Boat Show from early January to the middle of the month, partly a response to last winter’s Hurricane Sandy, placing it in direct conflict with the NRF’s annual event.

The NRF was one of several event sponsors meeting with Javits officials today to discuss the impact and consequences of the move.

“NRF is hopeful that officials will carefully consider our positive impact and will reconsider their effort to accommodate the timing of one show at the expense of others,” said Thorne, NRF’s svp for communications and public affairs.

This past January, the NRF show had a record 27,600 attendees and generated more than $20 million to the city’s economy.

“Our intention is to remain in New York and we are hopeful that officials will return to the agreed upon event schedule,” he said. The Javits Center has long maintained a policy of making booking decisions based on a show’s economic returns, including tax revenue, booked hotels, restaurants and tourism-related businesses.

“Our intention is to remain in New York and we are hopeful that officials will return to the agreed upon event schedule,” Thorne said.

“I don’t think there is another place [that could handle the size of the show],” he told Women’s Wear Daily. “Next year, we’ll have the entire hall for our show. As soon as it became available, it sold out. We’re growing beyond the Javits Center but are committed to it for the next three to five years.” 

As for changing the dates, “retailers have a small window of opportunity,” Thorne said. “They’re coming off Christmas and, in February, they’re gearing up for different sales opportunities so you can’t ask them to leave their jobs.”