Strong order writing, buzz-worthy programming and industry-exclusive special events highlighted the recently concluded Summer 2019 Las Vegas Market. Summer Market presented 4,300+ furniture, home décor and gift resources, more than 130 of which were new to the campus’ permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits.
“Buyers at Summer Las Vegas Market were here to buy and exhibitors reported steady order writing,” said Bob Maricich, CEO for International Market Centers. “Marketgoers attended exclusive industry-leading events and experienced dynamic, top-notch sourcing offered only at Las Vegas Market this summer.”
Exhibitors Report Steady Order Writing and Increased Showroom Traffic
Las Vegas Market features more than 4 million square feet and 2,000+ furniture lines along with nearly 200 temporary home furnishings exhibitors on B2 and C13; and 1 million+ square feet of home décor resources on 13 showroom floors in Buildings A, B and C, and in The Pavilions. Exhibitors in the home furnishings category – which featured 40 new, expanding, relocating and renewing showrooms – reported strong Summer Markets and noted an uptick in order writing as well as notable increases in buyer traffic in showrooms.
“Since this is our first Market, we weren’t really sure what to expect,” said Kellee Hollenback Hammond, Vice President of Sales for Hudson Valley Lighting Group. “But overall, we have been really enthusiastic with the traffic we’ve gotten.”
“Our showroom has been highly attended this market! It’s been so busy and the business is nonstop – we needed more staff,” Classy Art CEO Gabriel Cohen said.
“Our traffic was up compared to traffic from last Summer Market,” said Tim Donk, Marketing Director for Legends Furniture. “We’ve got a lot of momentum and this market has kind of carried us through a slower summer.”
The Market’s gift category features more than 2,700 resources in permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits throughout campus. Category growth in Building C translated into a strong overall market for exhibitors. This summer, the gift category expanded by more than 105,000 square feet with 35+ brands opening new and expanded spaces or renewing their commitment to IMC for the market.
“Traffic felt good, strong, healthy and alive,” said Adriana de Mello, CEO of representative group Keena, who reported a mix of independent retailers and key accounts placing orders at the show. Jim Spinx of the eponymous East Coast line credited Las Vegas Market as offering a great opportunity to meet buyers in the west. Frances Northcutt, who directs sales, marketing, product development and distribution for new showroom Rewined, reported that 90 percent of orders were from new accounts.
The Pavilions at Las Vegas Market showcased 500+ temporary gift and home lines in a dynamic new floorplan that featured all five core destinations under one roof. Exhibitors in the Pavilions reported solid leads and a steady stream of cross-category buyers.
“Traffic has been steady and we’re very satisfied with our first show in Las Vegas,” said HANDMADE exhibitor Mark Borre, co-owner of Berit Brooks. “We’ve seen a strong assortment of home décor and gift buyers in our booth, and for us, they’ve all been here to buy.”
Industry-Exclusive Events Highlight Summer Market
Summer Market also featured a slate of exclusive industry events, including the 2019 Las Vegas Market CEO Summit; the fifth annual ANDYZ Design Awards sponsored by Furniture, Lighting & Decor; Gift + Stationery 40 Under 40 Awards presented by Great American Media Services; “Lean In and Lift Up,” sponsored by Progressive Business Media; and the ninth annual “Up On the Roof” fundraiser benefiting Gift for Life.
“Programming in Las Vegas was unmatched this market season,” noted Maricich. “We lauded industry leaders, celebrated successes, provided vital business-building information and came together to lend our support to an organization that is truly making a difference in the world. This series of exciting moments ends IMC’s summer gift and home market season on a high note.”
Retailers and suppliers raved about the added value Las Vegas Market’s programming provides their business and overall Market experience.
“You can’t love the gift industry without loving what Gift for Life does. To give is to love,” said Tara Riceberg, owner of Best Gift Store Ever. “After a long day of discovering, connecting, and buying, the Gift for Life party is a wonderful way to wind down and share your great finds with like-minded, empathetic, and passionate people. It’s the perfect meeting place to catch up with old friends and industry colleagues.”
CEO Summit attendee Kirsten Recce, President of Black Whale Lighting, commented that “It was interesting to hear the different perspectives from various manufacturers and how they could evolve their business in the future to respond to the changing economic climate. So far, [the CEO Summit] has been one of the most beneficial parts of my Las Vegas Market trip.”
