Retail Observer

November 2021

The Retail Observer is an industry leading magazine for INDEPENDENT RETAILERS in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Home Furnishings

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NOVEMBER 2021 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 9 O verall attendance at the summer market – held one month later than usual – exceeded attendance over the market's April edition and represented about 60% of summer pre- pandemic attendance. "Las Vegas Market has continued its positive recovery trajectory despite recent setbacks in the nation's response to the pandemic," said Bob Maricich, International Market Center (IMC) CEO. "This week again proved that Las Vegas Market is the preferred Western location for discerning buyers and brands to come together to get business done." In addition to its core West Coast audience, Las Vegas Market attracted a nation-wide audience with buyers from all 50 states, with notable increases from the Northeast (32%), Southeast (19%), Southwest (10%) and TOLA (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas; 11%) regions. International traffic is rebounding well with a 60% growth over April 2021 and buyers from 42 countries. Gift category attendance was especially strong, with an 11% growth over April attendance. BUYERS GLAD TO BE BACK TO MARKET Product discovery and the in-person market experience were key motivators for buyers at the summer 2021 Las Vegas Market, many of whom were returning to the market for the first time since Winter 2020. "There is no substitute for shopping market live," said Dirk Lorenz, owner of Fremont Flowers in Fremont, CA. "Using all my senses when shopping makes for a much better experience after a year- plus of doing so much via Zoom and using websites to source products." "The Las Vegas Market is important because in-person touching, feeling and seeing products is imperative," added Mike Norris, buyer for Gallery Furniture in Houston, TX. Buyers also were excited for the full Las Vegas experience. "I love Vegas, I think it's fun," said Trish Mitchell, executive director of 4RKids in Enid, OK. SUMMER '21 LAS VEGAS MARKET BIG ORDERS FOR NOW AND FUTURE AT A D E M A N D F O R F R E S H , N E W P R O D U CT D R OV E R E TA I LE R S A N D D E S I G N E R S F R O M T H E W E ST E R N U N I T E D STAT E S A N D B E YO N D TO T H E AU G U ST 2 2 - 2 6 L AS V E G AS M A R K E T, W I T H E X H I B I TO R S R E P O R T I N G H E A LT H Y O R D E R W R I T I N G F O R I M M E D I AT E N E E D S A N D F U T U R E P L A N N I N G .

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