After 13 years of traipsing the globe for offMetro, I thought I’d seen it all. From bustling bazaars in Marrakech to serene craft fairs in Kyoto, I’ve witnessed the pulse of commerce in all its forms. But the recent New York Winter Market? That was something else. It wasn’t just another trade show; it felt like a microcosm of the entire retail world, buzzing with energy and brimming with innovation. Think of it as a high-stakes speed-dating event for brands and buyers, but instead of awkward small talk, you get dazzling displays of creativity and the promise of future retail trends.
This year, the market unveiled a fresh, three-day format. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical. Change can be unsettling like finding your favorite coffee shop has switched to decaf. But this revamp? It worked. It felt streamlined, and focused, and injected a new vibrancy into the event. The Jacob Javits Center, usually a vast space that can feel a bit impersonal, was transformed. It was like someone had finally figured out how to organize a giant party without making everyone feel lost in the crowd.
One of the highlights for me was the sheer diversity of exhibitors. You had the established giants, the household names that have been shaping our homes and wardrobes for decades. But what really caught my eye were the emerging designers, the upstarts with fresh ideas and a burning desire to make their mark. It’s like discovering a hidden gem in a vintage store – that thrill of finding something unique and special. This New York Winter Market was a treasure trove of such discoveries.
New York Winter Market: A Hotbed of Innovation
The NY NOW Innovation & Impact Awards were a testament to this spirit of innovation. It’s always inspiring to see businesses pushing boundaries, whether it’s through sustainable practices or groundbreaking designs. N/UM, with their chef-curated artisan salts, took home the Sustainability & Social Impact award. It’s a reminder that even something as simple as salt can be elevated with thoughtful sourcing and a commitment to quality.
And LÚDERE, the Emerging Brand winner, showcased the power of jewelry to be both beautiful and meaningful. Their pieces, crafted from solid gold and natural gemstones, felt like tiny works of art. Then there was XO Bath, the Trailblazer Award winner, proving that sustainability can be stylish with their plastic-free XO Bar. And finally, Mon Ami’s whimsical heirloom dolls captured the People’s Choice Award. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of handcrafted, timeless products. You can find out more about the winners and other participating brands on the NY NOW website: www.nynow.com.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of past events:
But the New York Winter Market wasn’t just about products; it was about connections. The fireside chats and panels were a goldmine of information, offering valuable insights into the current state of retail and where it’s headed. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the minds of industry leaders. These sessions weren’t just lectures; they were conversations, sparking debate and inspiring new ways of thinking. It’s in these moments of shared learning that real progress happens.
Now, let’s talk about the practical side of things. As a travel blogger, I’m always looking for the “why” behind the “what.” Why should someone attend the New York Winter Market? Well, if you’re a retailer, it’s a no-brainer. It’s the ultimate sourcing destination, a place to discover new products, connect with suppliers, and get a pulse on the latest trends. It’s like a one-stop shop for all your wholesale needs. And if you’re a consumer? It’s a glimpse into the future of shopping. It’s a chance to see what’s coming next, to discover brands you might never find in your local mall.
The New York Winter Market is more than just a trade show; it’s a reflection of our times. It’s a place where creativity meets commerce, where tradition intersects with innovation, and where the future of retail is being shaped. It’s a whirlwind of wonders, a feast for the senses, and a reminder that even in a world dominated by online shopping, the power of human connection remains stronger than ever. And for a seasoned travel blogger like myself, it’s a reminder that there’s always something new to discover, even in a city as familiar as New York. I’m already looking forward to the Summer Market!
“The Jaded Traveler”. Ron Rossi was born and raised in New York. A globalist at heart, Ron is a marketing director by trade, and has lived and worked around the world including Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. Food is one of the best ways to learn about a country, a people and a culture. So, Ron is always looking for the best in mid-range to budget and street food. He is always on the hunt for a good meal anyone can afford. It is the food of the average citizen that excites him. And with having visited close to 100 countries on 6 continents so far, there have been some pretty good meals.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram