NEW YORK—LOFT NYC, the annual independent eyewear show, is preparing for increased crowds in this post pandemic recovery, organizers said, as the event prepares to run March 16-19 at the  Hudson Mercantile event space at the corner of 10th Avenue and West 36th Street in New York City. "LOFT Eyewear Shows have set the standard for independent eyewear events in North America since 2000. This year will mark the second New York event since the pandemic shut down trade events across the world," the group stated.

Founder, Richard Mewha, is very optimistic about this year’s event, “Looking back to when we started The LOFT back in 2000 with just a couple of independent brands, our show has evolved into a very special highlight on the international trade calendar. As we were growing the event, the independent eyewear movement also grew and we have been at the forefront of showcasing the most interesting eyewear designers and companies from all across the globe.

"Our diehard independent retailers and boutique owners look forward to meeting up in our space each year to catch up with their friends and colleagues.”

 
 
The LOFT Gallery floor was introduced a few years ago to accommodate many new and interesting independent brands to the ever popular event, including designers that use innovative and new materials such as acrylic, buffalo horn, wood, vinyl and carbon fiber.

Mewha said, "We have been very satisfied with the expansion and the many new opportunities for exhibitors it has brought to the event. Many new buyers from across the industry are discovering LOFT for the first time each year so we are very keen to keep our event fresh and exciting. We are very pleased to also announce that our highly popular and legendary LOFT PARTY is on again in 2023. It’s always a memorable affair.” 

LOFT NYC also implemented a brand new online booking site/app in 2022 that is available through the event website, allowing buyers to easily schedule and manage their appointments across many different vendors right on their smartphones or other devices.

Marketing director of LOFT Eyewear Shows, Louis Fullagar, said, "We are super excited for another great event in New York City. Our new booking website has made the event so much easier for our show attendees to navigate their appointments and our vendors are reporting much greater engagement and advanced bookings.

"Our event is already famous for having excellent catering and beverage options which will again be a highlight. Our dedicated visitors will again have the unique opportunity of meeting their favorite eyewear designers and gather in-depth knowledge of the eyewear they sell in their stores every day,” Fullagar said.

The LOFT NYC event opens Thursday, March 16 to accommodate buyers and staff who are tied up with appointments elsewhere over the weekend. The event is fully catered including a coffee and breakfast each day and wine and beverages in the afternoon. 

A full designer list and appointment booking is available on the LOFT Eyewear Show website at www.lofteyewearshow.com.