SOURCE DIRECT, an import/export trade show group in the U.S., will be expanding to New York by partnering with NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift.

The expansion will launch Feb. 5-8, 2017, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.

SOURCE DIRECT at NY NOW will connect brands and product development executives in the home textile, accents, furnishings, home décor and gift products market seeking to purchase merchandise or find new overseas manufacturers or suppliers right here in New York City.

“SOURCE DIRECT has tripled in size in the past three years and has generated a great deal of interest from manufacturers and retailers alike,” said Karalynn Sprouse, executive vice president of Merchandise, Manufacturing & International Sourcing for Emerald Expositions.

She added, “It shows us that U.S. buyers, importers and distributors value the ability to shop multiple countries in well laid out, comprehensive locations - and since many East coast buyers don’t often get the chance to head West, we are taking the show to them.”

With advancements in technology and the effects of globalization impacting the supply chain more than ever before, Source Direct at NY NOW serves a meeting point for brands, wholesalers and retailers to connect with manufacturers to foster growth through first-hand product discovery and one-to-one conversations that help them weather fluctuations in the marketplace.

This partnership model has been successful on the West coast at other Emerald Expositions events, according to company officials.

With New York being a key location to the international market, the partnership with NY NOW is a natural extension, they added.

The new installation will launch with 165 exhibitors featuring key sourcing regions such as Turkey, Latin America, South East Asia, India, China, Korea, Taiwan, Pakistan and more.

“When Emerald launched the SOURCE DIRECT brand in August of 2013 at the company’s largest event, ASD Market Week, we anticipated that it would take some time to gain traction,” said Chris McCabe, EVP, Gift Home & Stationary.

He added, “To see this type of expansion in less than three years exceeded our expectations, and we’re looking at this unprecedented growth as confirmation that we’re providing a much-needed service to both buyers and exhibitors. Having the same team bring the successful brand as a partnership with NY NOW is a natural extension for both brands.”