DALLAS-Bigger is always better in Dallas, and at the Dallas International Lighting Market this week manufacturers debuted new and renovated showrooms, as well as plenty of product -- and positive attitudes.
Lite Source, in TM 4804, more than doubled its showroom space, adding 6,300 square feet this market. The additional space allowed the company to spotlight its high-end Elite line. “Product with sparkle needs to be front and center,” said Joel Kent, director of marketing. And now the entire line has “breathing space.”
Adesso moved to a larger space on the fourth floor of the Trade Mart, TM 4906, which now has an airy and open feeling. The company made a push on pendants this market, including Harvest, a portable cord set that has shades made out of such materials as linen and burlap. Items from another pendant group, Timpani, are shipped rolled so there is no damage to the shade, which can be easily assembled by the consumer.
Also showing in a new showroom, TM 4507, Varaluz debuted Alternating Currents, a new, lower-priced line of about 30 items that are more fashion sensitive, said Ron Henderson, president. Introductions in its regular line took on a 60s and 70s feel but with a modern twist. The Swank line combines artisanal chrome and glass for a handcrafted, organic look. “It brings in the look of women’s jewelry,” Henderson said.
Bulbrite continues to expand its energy efficient offerings, whether the bulbs are affected by the new EISA standards or not. In the front window, it showcased its new dimmable 5-watt, 300-lumen chandelier bulbs. Elsewhere in the showroom, it displayed a prototype of an LED dimmable A bulb that is 14 watts and 8,000 lumens. The Nostalgic collection of filament bulbs has also expanded with six new shapes and filaments.
IMAX focused on the magnolia colorway this market, showing such product as fun hot pink storage ottomans with diamond accent buttons. The color “is trendy but can also easily mix with antiques,” said Susan Andrulis, national sales manager. The company had 800 introductions for market, and included the masculine Glory Days theme, as well as the tranquil Serenity theme. Meadow, Passion and Pure were the new color themes from Connie Post, who coordinates product in color themes to help retailers.
For Crestview, home decor items made of reclaimed wood are one of its strongest groups right now, said Bryan Williams, executive vice president. The company is also producing more accessories. “It’s a good add on,” he said. “Some of the best-selling pieces here have been larger pieces.”
He saw better attitudes at the Atlanta show last week, and sees it continuing here in Dallas. “Retailers are not coming to window shop; they’re buying.”
The American Lighting Association will be holding another seminar today, called “Lighting Concepts for Upselling to the Boomer Generation for Residential Lighting Settings,” today from 4-5:30 p.m.
In addition, several manufacturers are having parties tonight. Bulbrite will be holding a cocktail party from 6-8 p.m. in its showroom TM 3351, offering attendees “ecotinis” as well as the chance to win a Kindle and LED desk lamp. Swarovski will have a party called Iconic Glamour in its showroom TM 4926 from 5-8 p.m. Beginning at 5 p.m. in its showroom, TM 3210, Hinkley Lighting is holding a rock-and-roll party with live music and the chance to win tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and a Vespa. Philips will host an Italian-inspired party for its new Cielo product in TM 3101, from 6-8 p.m. And the ARTS Awards pre-party will begin at 6 p.m. in WTC 554.