Las Vegas Market, the leading furniture, home decor and gift marketplace in the western U.S., hosted its 2014 winter show hitting record breaking numbers.Continuing its growth, the winter 2014 Las Vegas Market hosted its biggest and best attended market in its nine-year history. Gaining 21 percent more buyers and 850,000 more square feet of resources than last winter, Las Vegas Market cemented its position firmly in the industry. The summer Market will run Jul. 27-31 at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas Market is growing both resources and attendance at an exponential rate, and this winter marked the largest Market in our history. In the last 12 months, we have aggregated existing resources, added new categories and floors and increased participation of local and regional sales representatives, all of which has sparked momentum,” said Bob Maricich, CEO, International Market Centers.
Gaining an overall attendance of 21 percent, the gift category was most responsible with 90 percent increases over last year. Notable increases in home décor of 21 percent and furniture of 17 percent contributed to the energy and palpable buzz at the winter edition.
“This is our tenth Las Vegas Market and we can say this was the best ever! There were many international visitors, but more importantly the overall attitude was very positive. I’m so happy to see the buyers excited to keep coming,” said Luis Ruesga, supplier, Zuo Modern.
Bringing 1,200 new home décor, furniture and gift resources to Las Vegas Market in both permanent showrooms and temporary presentations, leasing activity has been robust in the last 12 months. Since winter 2013, 850,000 square feet of resources have been added, 500,000 from gift and home décor and 350,000 from furniture. Temporary exhibitors have increased by 10 percent in a year, with a record 340 gift and home décor exhibitors showcased on three floors and 80 furniture exhibitors featured at the winter 2014 Market.
Among new tenants for winter 2014 was Enesco, a global leader in the gift, plush toy and home décor industries, with an 11,818 square-foot showroom.
“The show has been terrific! It has opened us to new customers, including some gift retailers who never knew us. We also have had some inquiries from furniture retailers. It’s very exciting and brings a new energy,” said Katherine Alzona, vice president, Creative Services.
Introducing a new Sunday-Thursday pattern marketing the phrase “Sunday is the new Monday,” was highlighted during this year’s winter market along with the debut of new and expanded showroom resources and launch of three new temporary exhibit categories. The market also offered participants a wide range of unparalleled market amenities, networking event and educational programming, including presentation second annual Las Vegas Market CEO Summit.
