Las Vegas Opens with Optimism

February 1, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Las Vegas on February 2, 2010 Attendance at Las Vegas Market, which opened Monday and runs through Friday, is on track to outpace last winter's show, according to on opening day release from World Market Center.

"Optimism, optimism, optimism. That's the theme for this Las Vegas Market," said Robert Maricich, president and CEO of World Market Center Las Vegas. "There has been an uptick in activity and it is reflected in attitudes and order writing here in Las Vegas. This Market aims to be a leader not only in products and sales, but in leading the charge for innovation and creativity. It's a new world and a new way and we are here to give buyers a look at what's up next in every realm. The industry has weathered the eye of the storm, and it's gratifying to see people here motivated and geared up for success after the last two and a half years in a most challenging environment."

The day kicked off with "First Look at Las Vegas Market." HGTV€™s Monica Pedersen and home furnishings trend expert Julie Smith Vincenti of Nine Muses Media showcased dozens of items to be found in Market showrooms, highlighting up-and-coming trends such as distressed finishes, bold accent colors like turquoise and purple, versatile patterns and attention to surface details.

"We have 157 events throughout the week," Maricich said. "It all started with the One Good World ECOngress, which attracted many Market attendees and inspired countless useful and dynamic conversations. Still to come is the industry's first sustainability training, The Green Debate Seminar, DESIGNINGreen, Lasting Luxury and those are just a few. These five days are full of panels, seminars and events that will help us understand how to prosper and take better care of our planet. The lineup of speakers is, simply put, star-studded."

Product launches this week include Amini Innovation Corporation is launching its first celebrity-licensed collection with Jane Seymour.

"We are excited about the week ahead in Las Vegas, and our major launch with Jane Seymour," said Michael Amini, CEO of Amini Innovation Corporation. "I think in this type of economy a lot of people have been falling asleep, and this is a great way to wake them up."

"We are quite pleased with our first day's results," said Stefanie Lucas, president and CEO, Rowe Fine Furniture. "Traffic was up significantly, and our customers were very enthusiastic with our fabrics and styles. We see color as mandatory when it comes to uplifting the mood of consumers, and our retailers seem very optimistic."

"There is a nice buzz going on here," said Jason Phillips, vice president and creative director for The Phillips Collection. "I sense a very hopeful attitude. If anyone truly cares about the industry and is trying hard to keep things together, it is the Las Vegas Market."

"We've been swarmed with dealers from all over," said Ron Wanek, chairman of Ashley Furniture. "The dealers are coming in upbeat and we're writing good business. We think 2010 should be a pretty good year. Dealers like to come here to Las Vegas because the economics are good."

"We like the attitudes of the buyers that are coming in," said Jeff Cook, president of Broyhill Furniture. "As you can see, our showroom has been very active. The response to the new products we are launching has been very good."

"The show is wonderful," said John Moran, national sales manager for Anthony California Inc. "The traffic seems to be pretty good right now and we are having a very successful first day."