RETAILOBSERVER.COM OCTOBER 2017
10
H
ome furnishings buyer attendance at this summer's Las
Vegas Market was on par with last summer, and gift buyer
attendance was robust, posting a 6% gain over last
summer. Attendance included buyers from 50 states and 79
countries, and within the U.S., the highest number of buyers came
from California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and Utah. Leading
international countries represented were Canada, Mexico, China,
Panama and Colombia.
"Las Vegas Market's record growth has generated industry
attention and advocacy, driving increased interest and turnout
from new buyers, as well as repeat attendance by retailers and
designers already familiar with the Market," said Robert Maricich,
chief executive officer of International Market Centers. "As the
nation's fastest growing gift market and the leading furniture and
home decor market in the western United States, Las Vegas
Market is delivering on its promise to create an exceptional
customer experience for buyers and suppliers alike. We seek to
raise the bar for our customers every market, and this market was
no exception."
Raising the bar included adding 72 new and expanded
permanent showrooms, more than 150 first-time exhibitors within
Pavilions for a total of 500+ temporary exhibitors, and a record
number of nearly 40 buying groups and associations drawing
groups of their members to shop the expansive whole home and
gift product offering.
CONTINUED WEST COAST DOMINANCE IN THE HOME
FURNISHINGS CATEGORY EVIDENCED BY RESOURCE
GROWTH AND STRONG BUYING POWER
Summer Las Vegas Market showcased more than 160,000
square feet of new showroom space in the furniture and home
décor categories, including new presentations for Zuo Décor,
Home Insights, Turnkey, LH Imports, Vertu, and Vanguard Furniture.
Several manufacturers said they established new business
connections during summer market that could translate into
increased business going forward.
"In the first three days, we signed in close to 800 unique dealers
and designers, the majority of which were from the West Coast,
L A S V E G A S M A R K E T — A POSITIVE TONE
