The Retail Observer is an industry leading magazine for INDEPENDENT RETAILERS in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Home Furnishings
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RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2024 36 W estEdge Design Fair, the West Coast's premier contemporary design fair, returned to Santa Monica's Barker Hangar from November 16-18, 2023 for the first time since 2019. The event featured a curated selection of domestic and international manufacturers and independent design brands. Celebrating its eighth-annual year and relaunching post- pandemic, the fair welcomed more than 175 exhibiting brands and over 8,400 top-tier residential and commercial interior designers, architects, builders, developers, set decorators, targeted consumers and press, converging upon the picturesque indoor/outdoor Barker Hangar venue. In addition to hundreds of products and exhibits, over 50 thought leaders and tastemakers shared their expertise and discussed a variety of design and architecture-related topics with robust theater and culinary pavilion programming schedules. "It was an honor to bring WestEdge Design Fair back to Santa Monica following the pandemic," said WestEdge co-founder Megan Reilly. "We are delighted that we were able to bring the best of the best in interior design together and appreciate all the support from the design community both in Los Angeles and beyond." With over 8,200 guests, the weekend event kicked off with an Opening Night Party presented by PIRCH, a leading retailer of luxury kitchen, bathroom and outdoor appliances in Southern California. Ticket proceeds and a one-of-a-kind auction of designer cocktail carts raised funds for Hollywood Food Coalition whose mission is to feed and serve the immediate needs of the hungry every day of the year. Guests had the opportunity to mingle ahead of the weekend crowds with elevated food and cocktails, entertainment, and early- access to shop hundreds of design products. WestEdge Design Fair, first launched in 2013, has experienced steady growth including a 105% increase in exhibitors since its debut. The 2023 edition presented both repeat exhibitors and new brands, including Flavor Paper, Buster + Punch, Resource Furniture, Urban Bonfire, Danver/Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, KLAFS, Meystyle, and Qoldfusion, among others. "We were happy to welcome domestic and international manufacturers across all categories including furniture, lighting, wellness, kitchen + bath, and more showing the best of the best," said WestEdge Principal Troy Durst. "It is clear that WestEdge continues to present an unforgettable experience for both the trade and targeted consumers who are interested in the latest and most innovative resources from around the globe." HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2023 WESTEDGE DESIGN FAIR • Opening night party presented by PIRCH – The venue-wide evening was a fundraiser for Hollywood Food Coalition with hospitality provided by Empress 1908 Gin, Dulce Vida Tequila, Hedonistas de la Fe Mezcal, and Tequila Comisario. westedge 2019