The January Dallas Total Home & Gift Market saw confident order writing and strong attendance from buyers across the Central U.S. and a growing number of buyers attending from the Upper Midwest and Southeast. The number of businesses attending the show for the first time represented almost 10% of the total attendance.
According to Dallas Market Center, many exhibitors reported larger average orders, more new customers from across the U.S. and internationally, and total sales increases of more than 20%, especially among exhibitors with new products, new or expanded spaces, and/or special promotions.
“We were thrilled with the January show, but most importantly, our exhibitors did great business at the first market of the year,” says Cindy Morris, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Independent retailers, designers, buying groups, and large-volume stores arrived early and eager to order, and many showrooms had record-setting shows. Consumers are confident and retail remains strong in the Central U.S., supported by solid holiday sales, a record number of new residents, and an expanding economy.”
The marketplace presented more than 40 new and expanding showrooms; hundreds of Temps; product collections in exclusive categories including CBD and smart home technology; celebrity guests including Aerin Lauder, Thom Filicia and Carson Kressley; presentations from business thought leaders; and shared discoveries from lifestyle influencers. In addition, special events including “Discover The Five Senses” interactive product displays, the ARTS Awards gala, and promotional giveaways inspired business owners to thrive in the new year.
Inside neighborhoods of permanent showrooms, retailers discovered more new resources and exhibitors noted the January market success.
William White of Gabby commented: “Since we moved the Gabby showroom to the first floor of the Dallas Market Center two years ago, we’ve seen tremendous growth. January’s market was our biggest market yet in Dallas and, we believe, will set the tone for business for 2020. Thank you to showroom manager Cindy Massingill and the rest of the sales team for all they did to make it happen.”
Said Kyle Camp of K&K Interiors: “We put 120 percent into Dallas–product, presentation, marketing, and sales force. In return we had the best show ever in Dallas. It also was the largest product launch in our history, over 5000 new items, we had over 200 show specials, and we were able to drive a lot of new customers and win-back customers.”
Doug Williams of Kalalou commented: “Dallas was a big improvement for us with our expansion and new location. This show exceeded all of our expectations, and we enjoyed a record show in our 33-year history.”
Robin Gordon of ELK Group: “It was a great market for us. We were excited to unveil our newly renovated space showing the market that ELK is and always plans to be an important resource in the Lighting industry. We had a strong response to our new introductions and an opportunity to show our customers that we are focused on bringing new product to market and helping them grow their business!”
Added Peter Clark, President and CEO of LMT Imports and LMT Design LLC.: “We had our strongest showing for a January market in over five years, the most encouraging part of this show was the new faces mixed in with customers that hadn’t been to the Dallas market for a while. Buyers were looking for something new, innovative and exciting, and they responded well with written orders.”
Erdos + Ko’s John Erdos commented: “We had robust sales, we met many new potential clients and had a great reaction to our new furniture and lighting introductions. We closed the week hosting a highly successful ASID Event in our showroom. Overall, it was a great week!”
As retailers continue to seek a wider array of new products in order to stand out, the marketplace will host a combined Total Home & Gift Market together with Apparel & Accessories Market in the spring from March 24-27. In June, the summer market experience will be transformed into an annual trade event unifying for the first time all major markets and creating the largest lifestyle market event in North America. Total Home & Gift Market (June 24-29) will be joined by Apparel & Accessories Market (June 23-26), KidsWorld (June 23-26), and Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show (June 24-27).
