TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - December 20, 2016) - Selected by retailers across the country for their product selection and customer service, the Canadian Gift Association (CanGift) is pleased to announce the 2016 Supplier of the Year Award winners as House of Koopslie (small), Grand International Trading (medium) and Giftcraft Ltd. (large).
Honourable mentions for the 2016 Supplier of the Year were awarded to: Timbers in Langton, Ontario (small); North American Country Home in Vancouver, B.C. (medium); and Splash International Marketing Inc. in Markham, Ontario (large). All winners will be officially awarded at the Salute to Excellence Awards Reception hosted by celebrity designer duo, Glen Peloso and Jamie Alexander, at the Spring 2017 Toronto Gift Fair on Sunday, January 29, 2017.
Taking the small category is Edmonton-based wholesale distributor, House of Koopslie. Working with Canadian vendors and artisans, its specialty is designing and handcrafting accessories using incredibly soft and eco-friendly bamboo fabrics. The latest addition to the House of Koopslie collection is a new line of headbands for women.
"I feel honoured and humbled to receive the 2016 Small Supplier of the Year Award," says Monika Kupczak Ainslie, founder of House of Koopslie. "I started making my best-selling headbands in my home not that long ago and now House of Koopslie has grown into something truly great."
The recipient of the medium category is Grand International Trading, one of Canada's leading fashion accessories and home décor suppliers. Grand proudly carries a premium selection of scarves, jewellery, handbags, apparel, eyewear and giftware in their 20,000 square-foot showroom and warehouse in Mississauga. In business for over 15 years, Grand understands the importance of having a wide range of on-trend, high-quality products for their customers at the right price.
"We are incredibly honoured to be selected by Canadian retailers as 2016 Medium Supplier of the Year," says Harvey Hu, president of Grand International Trading. "The team at Grand International Trading have all worked extremely hard on delivering the best value for our retailers."
In the large category is Giftcraft Ltd., a lifestyle industry leader servicing a diverse network of décor and giftware retailers throughout the world. The Giftcraft exclusive family of brands showcases a comprehensive selection of top-selling fashions, every day and luxury gifts, gourmet teas, indoor and outdoor décor and seasonal products. Based in Brampton, Ontario and founded in 1946, Giftcraft aims to set the standard in innovative design and development to meet the needs of today's savviest consumer.
"Being recognized by your customers is the highest honour an organization can receive," says Trevor Cohen, President and CEO, Giftcraft. "We are truly appreciative and would like to thank all of our valued retail partners who participated in the voting."
2016 winners in other categories include:
- Retailer of the Year: Pharmasave Broadmead #232
- Retailer of Distinction: Twisted Tree Nipawin Florist Inc.
- Retailer of Distinction: Parkland Nurseries & Garden Centre Ltd.
- Sales Representative of the Year (Independent): Larry Deszcz
- Sales Representative of the Year (Corporate): Frances Windsor Hicks
- Sales Representative of the Year Honourable Mention (Independent): Ann Courchesne
- Sales Representative of the Year Honourable Mention (Independent): Gord Gallant
- Sales Representative of the Year Honourable Mention (Corporate): Karen McElwain
About the Canadian Gift Association
CanGift is a national not-for-profit association dedicated to improving competitive capabilities and business effectiveness by giving suppliers and retailers opportunities to interact in Canada's $10 billion giftware industry. CanGift owns the Toronto, Alberta and Quebec Gift Fairs. For more information or to preview new and creative product, please visit cangift.org.
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Contact Information:
MEDIA CONTACT
Laura Bennett
Communications Specialist
416.642.1032
lbennett@cangift.org
