Record participation sets stage for Mississippi Wholesale Market

Buyers who typically go to Dallas or Atlanta to market can save a trip by attending the Mississippi Wholesale Market in Jackson. Since 1996, the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) has presented the gift market as a way to help budding proprietors introduce their products to buyers, and to help

"We're excited to report that we've sold out of all the booths we had reserved and we're now adding another row," said Elizabeth Taylor of MDA's Existing Industry and Business Division. "This year's show promises to be one of the biggest ones we've had to date."

Vendors selling made-in-Mississippi products have booths that sell to credentialed buyers from retail stores in Mississippi and surrounding states. The show is not open to the general public, and no vendor may sell wares at the market. They can, however, take orders for items to be sold in stores. Mississippi manufacturers, artisans, wholesalers and service providers exhibit at the Market, trying to catch the eye of shop owners and buyers. Items on display will include jewelry, specialty apparel, pottery, decorative accessories, gourmet foods, garden accessories, personal accessories, art, linens, bath care products, aroma therapy products, candles, gourmet coffees and teas, children's accessories and specialty furniture. Store supplies such as gift wrap and services used by retailers will be represented as well.