Retail Observer

APRIL 2023 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 29 RO Growth was evident in all the industries Las Vegas Market represents, with an 18% increase in home décor attendance, 11% increase in gift, a notable 50% increase in furniture buyers, and 40% increase in interior designers. Additionally, collaboration with concurrent trade shows in Las Vegas expanded the market's reach with hundreds of cross-market visitors taking advantage of additional complementary sourcing opportunities. RETAILERS AND DESIGNERS FIND INSPIRATION The opportunity to discover new brands and experience products drew retailers and designers out of their stores and studios. Monique Herrero of Lino Interiors in Long Beach, CA, shared, "The Las Vegas Market was such a fun experience. I got to see all the vendors we work with in person. Ordering online can be challenging to get the exact color. This experience was so helpful, speaking as a designer, to see all the furniture finishes our vendors use. We got so much new inspiration, and I can't wait to apply it to our clients' homes." Jessica Haefke, founder of monthly fitness and motivation subscription box ActLive Life based in Oostburg, WI, shared, "Going to market is always so much fun. There is an endless selection of positive-message goodies, a rainbow of colors in every direction, and new businesses to explore (that) I didn't know existed. I got my steps in for the day… and then some!" Notable for Winter 2023 was strong participation from buying groups and industry associations across design and gift, with many returning for their first time since before the pandemic disruptions. Some 15 groups participated in programming, education, meetings, and more. Diane Sulg, executive director of CRAFT (Craft Retailers and Artists for Tomorrow), a national non-profit association of craft artists and galleries, said, "What a treat to be back at Las Vegas Market! This was my first experience in the new Expo, and it was wonderful! Each day the booths were swamped with buyers, and business was brisk. Of course, we enjoyed visits to our favorite showrooms, too, and they were great as always. Las Vegas Market is certainly the place for wholesale business on the West Coast!" Allan Share, president of the Spa Industry Association, representing the spa, salon, and wellness community, added, "I've said this many times... Las Vegas Market should be on every buyer's list, regardless of the industry you're in. We have over 100,000 members around the globe, and many make market twice a year. Not only are the vendors top of the industry, the Las Vegas Market staff is first rate, and I find myself smiling as I walk market." In addition to sourcing, retailer and designers attended some 40+ seminars, events, and celebrations over four days of market. The World Market Center Las Vegas Courtyard was the hub of market activities, decked out in an "Apres Market" ski-chalet- inspired style, and offering opportunities for attendees to gather over firepits and warm refreshments. CONNECTING THE RIGHT BUYERS AND SELLERS The impact of Las Vegas Market was evident to longtime exhibitors and those new to the buying event, which featured 600+ permanent showrooms and nearly 400 temporary exhibits. Strong traffic in some 100+ mattress and bedding brands confirmed Las Vegas Market as THE national buying event for the industry. Derek Miller, chief sales officer of Serta Simmons Bedding, which returned to Las Vegas Market this winter with two new showrooms including a dedicated space for its Beautyrest and Tuft & Needle brands, said, "This year we are launching a variety of new product lines that offer industry-leading performance, and it was a privilege to showcase these collections at the Winter Las Vegas Market. The energy was palpable, our showrooms were packed, and we received outstanding feedback from our retailer partners on our new collections. We look forward to continuing to work with the Las Vegas Market team as we introduce new innovations to our partners and, ultimately, sleepers." Steve Rusing, Tempur-Sealy president of U.S. Sales, commented, "The Winter 2033 Las Vegas Market was even busier than 2020. It was on a whole different level: the retailers are back. Our traffic year- over-year was up 36% which set a new record." He reported that retailers were "in good spirits" with interest in the new Tempurpedic Breeze Mattresses and Ergo Smart Adjustable bases. The buying energy carried through to the complementary furniture and home décor brands using Las Vegas Market's permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits to reach the influential West Coast design community and other new accounts. FIVE SHOWS, ONE CITY Las Vegas Market kicked off city-wide sourcing opportunities for the design and construction industries. Cooperation with four other concurrent markets – Design & Construction Week's (DCW) NAHB International Builders' Show (IBS) and The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS); The International Surface Event (TISE): SURFACES, StonExpo, and TileExpo; and The National Hardware Show (NHS) – brought new categories of buyers to Las Vegas Market with significant growth in architects, builders, contractors, developers, and hospitality specifiers as well as floor covering, hardware, and home improvement retailers. The Summer 2023 Las Vegas Market is July 30 – August 3, 2023 at World Market Center Las Vegas; www.IMCenters.com.

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