LAS VEGAS–The Summer 2012 Las Vegas Market. which wrapped up earlier this month, delivered an “energized” show and attracted thousands of “upbeat” home furnishings buyers, according to show owner and organizer International Market Centers.
“At the start of the year, Las Vegas opened the doors to its strongest market in three years and set the tone for a positive 2012. While total traffic at August show was lighter, as at other summer markets, individual store attendance was up from prior summer shows. Furthermore, the retailers who came were serious about buying,” said Robert Maricich, CEO of IMC. “It’s very encouraging to see the number of individual buying units continue to grow especially given the summer slow down at retail. The trajectory at Las Vegas Market continues to trend upward.”
Las Vegas Market officials reported a modest increase in retail store attendance over last year, and an 8 percent increase over two years ago. According to IMC, leading furniture manufacturers reported growth in year-on-year sales volume despite current macro economic trends. It also said there were more buyers for sleep products.
“The best results of market were reported by those exhibitors who presented compelling new product and value. It’s also true for those manufacturers who were actively engaged with their customers, sales teams and in their overall showroom and product presentation. There were many companies playing to win at this market,” said Tom Mitchell, president of home furnishings for IMC. “We were very pleased to hear that sleep product manufacturers were especially positive, as this is an industry that leads with new—new product, innovation, new promotional opportunities and aggressive marketing.”