According to statistics compiled by the Dallas Market Center (DMC), the first show of the summer season opened with record-setting attendance as retail decision-makers from across the country attended Total Home & Gift Market in Dallas and placed deep orders to fill depleted inventories. DMC reported a 25-percent increase in buyer attendance versus June 2019 and a 31-percent increase in new buyers.
“This is the strongest show opening we have experienced in years,” says Cindy Morris, President & CEO of DMC. “Buyers want to be first in line to see new products and place orders quickly. The energy and confidence are incredible and together they are driving deep order writing across the marketplace. Buyers from every state are here eager to fill shelves and discover new products.”
Tens of thousands of buyers from across the country and internationally attended the seven-day trade event that welcomes single and multi-location retail, buying groups, and major stores.
Exhibitors told DMC they had historic traffic and order writing. “The opening day was the best day we’ve ever had here in Dallas,” says Paul Michael, owner of Market Hill on 6, a home furnishings showroom in the World Trade Center. “This market is exploding and has amazing momentum.”
“Orders are way up and we are setting records,” adds Patrick Ongena, owner of the Patrick & Co. showroom in the Trade Mart. “We were booked solid with appointments through the weekend, and buyers are enthusiastically ordering all they can.”
“Buyers clearly wanted to order early to secure product,” states Frederic Barrouquere with Barefoot Dreams, exhibiting in the Goetz showroom in the World Trade Center. “This first show of the season helped them do that. We’ve been very pleased with order volume and order depth.”
“We have already beaten our January numbers, which were double the previous year. This has been a great show,” says Rusty Phillips, co-owner of Bourbon Royalty Candles exhibiting in the Temps on the 12th floor.
While at the show, retailers participated in special events, seminars, discussions, organization meetings, and tours while also experiencing displays of products trends to inspire their merchandising and ordering.
Among the dozens of new or expanding showrooms were legendary brands and new companies across gift and home, housewares and gourmet, holiday, and floral to lighting and fashion. The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market (which ran June 23-26) presented hundreds of new and returning exhibitors in four distinct neighborhoods including vintage home and expanded sections of bath, body and spa.
At the adjacent Lightovation lighting show, held on the 3rd and 4th floors of Trade Mart, there were quite a few showroom expansions as well as new resources joining the ranks of exhibitors. See images for details.
Abra Lighting opened its new permanent showroom.
Brazilian lighting manufacturer Accord Lighting opened its first permanent lighting showroom.
Long-time DMC exhibitor Elegant Lighting celebrated its recent expansion.
Hubbardton Forge relocated its showroom to a premium spot on the Trade Mart atrium and expanded its square footage considerably.
Minka relocated its brands into one showroom in the premium atrium space formerly occupied by Kichler.
Savoy House expanded its showroom presentation considerably, including separate rooms for its Meridian product assortment as well as exclusive product for Lighting One members.
