Jamaica's 'Christmas in July' Trade Show Set to Showcase Local Artisans

Jamaica is preparing for its 12th annual "Christmas in July" trade show, a significant event that showcases a wide array of locally crafted products. Scheduled for Thursday and Friday at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, the show will run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.

This year's event will feature 180 exhibitors, highlighting the growing participation with 121 first-time participants alongside 59 returning vendors. Attendees can expect to find a diverse range of items, including fashion and accessories, aromatherapy products, processed foods, fine art, home décor, desktop accessories, and goods made from organic and natural fibers.

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This is where we have a melting pot of the corporate sector, government entities, embassies, missions, international organisations, targeted buyers and, of course, the ordinary consumers.

Carolyn McDonald Riley, executive director of the Tourism Linkages Network, described the trade show as a "premier marketplace" for locally produced gifts and souvenirs. She noted that the event brings together a broad spectrum of attendees, including the corporate sector, government entities, embassies, international organizations, targeted buyers, and the general public. McDonald Riley emphasized that "Christmas in July" offers more than just a two-day exhibition; it provides entrepreneurs with crucial opportunities to expand their businesses and forge lasting commercial relationships.

The theme for this year's event is 'Tropical Wonderland,' celebrating Jamaican creativity and offering an immersive shopping experience. The trade show aims to provide continuous exposure for businesses, as described by McDonald Riley: "You get an opportunity to showcase your business 24 hours a day for years because we have an issue account and persons get the opportunity to look and see. We also produce the magazines that will be in persons offices and libraries, different spaces and places…so your business is always open."

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The benefits are awesome. You get an opportunity to showcase your business 24 hours a day for years because we have an issue account and persons get the opportunity to look and see. We also produce the magazines that will be in persons offices and libraries, different spaces and places…so your business is always open.