Dallas Market Welcomes Record-Setting Attendance

February 4, 2026  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

“The energy on the floors this January was unmistakable,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Strong attendance showed a renewed sense of confidence, with engaged retailers ready to invest in new product for the year ahead.”

Attendance at the show reflected year-over-year gains for every region of the U.S. as well as internationally. The number of buyers attending the show for the first time saw a dramatic increase of more than 70%, supporting the continuing shift in buyer loyalty to Dallas.

Event Highlights
Beyond new product discovery, January’s market delivered standout programming designed to equip retailers for success.

The Masters Series drew large crowds for live design demonstrations from Chris Norwood, John Mark Sharpe—who debuted his new ribbon collection with The Round Top Collection—and Presley Pierce, each sharing approachable styling techniques, merchandising strategies, and design insights retailers could take straight to the sales floor. Meanwhile, Speaking of Retail: A Collective of Conversations offered candid, business-focused discussions tackling the real-world challenges and opportunities facing both independent and multi-location retailers. Retailers also enjoyed the Fireside Chat with ARTS Awards finalists, Home Frontiers: Navigating the Future of Design, Retail, and Manufacturing, highlighting how key players collaborate and evolve, offering insight into trends, sustainability, retail strategy, and the forces shaping today’s home industry.

36th ARTS Awards
Dallas Market Center and ART, the creative home furnishings network, held the 36th ARTS Awards on Friday, January 9, at the Hilton Anatole hotel, hosted by Thom Filicia and Carson Kressley. The ARTS Awards are the premier international awards program dedicated to home industry excellence and achievement. The ARTS Awards included category awards, as well as a special Academy of Achievement honor to the late John Feizy, founder of Feizy; the Legendary Leadership recognition to the late Bill Winsor; and the HEARTS Award presented to Heart on Main Street, honoring the support and education they provide to independent retailers. View the awards winners at https://dallasmarketcenter.com/artsawards/arts-winners-2026/.

Planning for Upcoming Markets

The next Total Home & Gift Market will run March 24–27 and runs concurrently with the Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld. For more information, including hours and events, please visit the Dallas Market Center website.

All Total Home & Gift Market attendees and exhibitors are encouraged to book hotel rooms now for the June edition of the Total Home & Gift Market, June 24–30 (TEMPS June 24–27). Booking through the Dallas Market Center website secures reservations and market rates: https://connectionshousing.us/dallasmarketcenter/.

To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center app. Also, keep up to date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and the DMC Blog.