Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MAY 2024 10 WINTER '2024 LAS VEGAS MARKET "It's been 12 years since we exhibited at Las Vegas Market, and we've really become a designer-focused organization," said Chris Miller, Rowe Furniture VP sales. "This Market gives us the perfect platform to connect with West Coast designers and provide them with an exceptional sourcing experience." Following the successful introduction of two new Las Vegas Market showrooms, Kenzie Redick, Hooker Furnishings VP marketing, interior design and brand management, commented, "In terms of the traffic and conversations we've had this week, this Market has been one of our most successful. Our customers and designers are excited about what's new, and we feel confident about the future of our showrooms here." Buyers were also beneficiaries in the dynamic reformatting of home furnishings at Las Vegas Market. "My brother and I came to this Market and were able to open two new accounts during our visit," said Steve Schwinn, buyer from Ironhorse Home Furniture in Benicia and Santa Cruz, CA. "The return of high-end brands to Market is definitely a highlight." BEDDING CATEGORY REPORTS FIRM SUCCESSES AT MARKET Some 100 bedding and mattress exhibitors at World Market Center Las Vegas delivered both tried-and-true and innovative offerings across the nation's leading bedding buying destination. "The first day of this Market was the busiest we've had in our 15 + years of exhibiting in Las Vegas," said David Binke, King Koil CEO. "The momentum continued well into the week, so it's safe to say the Market has been kind to us." Buyer attendance from mattress stores at the Winter Market increased from January 2023, establishing a year-over-year growth of the specialized mattress buyer base. Binke added, "We're now forming relationships with top-100 accounts that have always been on our radar, so we continue to be committed to this space." The bedding industry witnessed wins outside of commerce during the buying event – WithIt's 2024 WOW Visionary Award honored Barabara Bradford, CEO of Visionary Sleep for her excellence, leadership, and commitment to the bedding industry and recognized Sarah Galimidi, Macy's Omni buyer- mattresses, for her leadership. GENERAL AND SEASONAL GIFT EXHIBITORS DAZZLE WEST COAST BUYERS The Winter 2024 Las Vegas Market featured some 1,300 gift resources across seven floors of permanent showrooms, bringing a wealth of general and specialized gifts to buyers from every category. The Market welcomed seven new and expanded showrooms for the January Market. "It's been a real pleasure to see buyers coming to the Las Vegas Market in such great numbers," said Adriana de Mello, Keena principal. "The mood this week was so upbeat, which makes me feel confident about the first half of 2024." Newcomers to Market reported standout successes as Las Vegas-firsts solidified their decision to participate in the West Coast market. In particular, the January buying event offered holiday brands access to a new seasonal buying audience. "Las Vegas Market is unique. The Glitterville brand is all about that 'wow' factor, and it fits perfectly into the fabric of this Market," said Stephen Brown, Glitterville creator. We've experienced a wonderful reception for our first Las Vegas Market and we're definitely optimistic for the future."

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