Published on : Friday, September 28, 2018
Buyers took advantage of a record number of resources, including significant new product introductions and first-time exhibitors, at the recently concluded Summer 2017 Las Vegas Market. Held from July 30 to August 3, the show’s success was tied to key increases in gift buyer attendance, stable home furnishings attendance and burgeoning support from the interior design community.
Home furnishings buyer attendance was on par with last summer. 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.
Robert Maricich, chief executive officer of International Market Centers, said, “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. 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 Dominance of the Home Furnishings Category
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.
The outdoor category continued to gain strength, supported by a 12% increase in the number of buyers indicating they were shopping casual/outdoor while at Las Vegas Market.
Buyers said they appreciated the convenience and depth and breadth of products offered at Las Vegas Market.
Continued Growth Trajectory for Gift Category
The gift category continued its growth trajectory for the sixth consecutive summer market, increasing gift buyer attendance by 6% from Las Vegas Market summer 2016. The Market continues to gain resources across the full spectrum of gift categories, with the most marked growth in gourmet, toy/children’s products and lifestyle categories.
Both permanent and temporary exhibitors in the home décor and gift categories commented that the Market’s unique access to a broad cross-section of buyers from west coast and western states helped them identify and open new accounts and reacquaint with lapsed accounts.
Connect With Us |
|||||||||
|
|||||||||
