As the inaugural September Las Vegas Market is fast approaching, World Market Center Las Vegas reports that it is seeing its strongest Buyer pre-registration prior to the Market in years, a sign that the industry is preparing for recovery. Next week, the first Fall Las Vegas Market, September 14 – 17, will welcome buyers, designers and manufacturers who are ready to do business as the nation looks forward to coming out of the recession.
Recent reports from the U.S. Census Bureau state that sales of new single-family houses are up 9.6%. Existing homes sales are also on the rise, up 7.2%. For many in the home furnishings industry, the increase in home sales foreshadows the potential for consumer spending as buyers look to furnish and decorate their new homes.
World Market Center is committed to equip the industry with the tools needed in order to thrive as the market rebounds. And Market officials say, September Las Vegas Market will offer buyers and exhibitors more than ever before.
“The strong pace of pre-registration for the inaugural September Las Vegas Market shows that our industry is proactively preparing for recovery,” said World Market Center's President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Maricich. “The enthusiasm and optimism of the buyers and exhibitors we talk to every day indicates to us that we’re going to have an upbeat and vibrant market. It is clear that our strong pre-registration numbers, coupled with the commitment our exhibitors have made by introducing tens of thousands of new products, will translate into a highly successful opening market of the season. We are confident that manufacturers showcasing first-to-market products will be rewarded by retailers who want to take advantage of stocking their stores before their competition. With this Market, we are giving attending retailers a strong competitive advantage by replenishing their showroom floors with new products well ahead of their competitors who don't attend Las Vegas Market.”
Maricich says Las Vegas has always been a leader and unparalleled in offering world-class Market amenities, but he recognized that the September Market “called for even more” given the challenging environment retailers are operating in. Buyers have fully embraced World Market Center's commitment, and Maricich cites the top reasons buyers have been pre-registering for Las Vegas Market in record numbers:
1. Tens of Thousands of New Products Being Unveiled "First" This Season at Las Vegas Market– The debut of fresh, new resources at Las Vegas Market – new product introductions from over 1,400 exhibiting companies and lines in all – will give retailers a whole lot to look forward to. In a recent survey, 94 percent of World Market Center’s exhibitors confirmed they are launching new product this month in Las Vegas, most of which will be products unveiled for the first time. And, with inventories in the entire furnishings pipeline at unprecedented lows, retailers are coming to Las Vegas for fresh choices from the supply chain. “Manufacturers have geared up at Las Vegas Market with new products, specials and immediate shipments, and are favorably positioned to respond to the opportunity,” said Maricich.
2. More International Resources than Ever Before – The upcoming Las Vegas Market will give buyers the opportunity to experience the hottest trends from around the world. The number of international manufacturers at September Market has nearly doubled since the last show – making it the largest presentation of global suppliers and brands exhibiting in Las Vegas to date. Additionally, celebrations such as Saludos de Mexico to honor the growing number of Latin American attendees, coupled with a strategic alliance with Fiera Milano manifesting this Fall with the global debut of the Italiano Classico exhibition, reinforces the market’s position as an international epicenter. Buyers love the international offerings and the opportunity they present to diversify their inventory.
3. The Extraordinary Value of Las Vegas – Las Vegas continues to be a sure bet for smart business travelers with the city’s hotel rates at an all time low. The changing economy has led to many attendees putting a new emphasis on getting more value for their dollar, whether they’re spending it on essentials or air travel and hotel packages. “People are more value conscious and World Market Center delivers that experience,” said Maricich. Compared to other convention cities, Las Vegas is now one of the most affordable U.S. destinations, according to the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority. Direct flights to Las Vegas are available from more than 140 cities with an average cost of $240 – less than any other convention city, and Las Vegas Market negotiated discounted hotel rooms for attendees as low as $29 per night.
4. Original Content and Programming – Nearly 50 compelling speakers and programs are on tap with a heavy focus on the Business Survival Series that features experts who will focus on making the most of economic recovery, including an exclusive opportunity for one-on-one meetings with loan officers from the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA). Plus new, high profile events on the cutting edge of design and sustainability include the return of the internationally-acclaimed One Good Chair competition, the first Icons of Design, honoring 20 of the world’s most extraordinary designers and architects, and more.
5. Rewarding the Reps– An infusion of new buyers have been secured via the new Rep Rewards program which recognizes the important relationship between sales reps and their customers and gives reps yet one more reason to bring their buyers to Las Vegas Market. In return, World Market Center is rewarding reps for their valuable outreach by giving them points for each buyer they bring to Las Vegas Market. Reps receive credit for bringing in all buyers, but new buyers will earn them even higher points all leading to rewards for reps.
6. National Home Furnishings Month – Retailers attending Fall Las Vegas Market can take advantage of the largest integrated, consumer-wide marketing effort for the benefit of the home furnishings industry, "Is it Home yetTM?". The campaign’s first event, National Home Furnishings Month (NHFM) – has been created to jumpstart retail sales by encouraging consumers to reinvent their homes by adding new home furnishings. To top it all off and celebrate the launch of the first ever NHFM at Las Vegas Market, the Brian Setzer 18 piece Orchestra will rock into town September 14 with a concert exclusively for 2009 September Las Vegas Market attendees.
The September 2009 Las Vegas Market is scheduled for September 14-17, 2009 at World Market Center Las Vegas. Attendees can still register and reserve discounted rooms online now at www.LasVegasMarket.com.
About World Market Center Las Vegas
World Market Center Las Vegas is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and trade complex. The state-of-the-art campus showcases furniture, decorative accessories, gift, lighting, area rugs, home textiles and related segments, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC), now open daily to consumers along with their designers. World Market Center currently hosts the preeminent Las Vegas MarketTM biannually in February and September. And in February 2010 World Market Center will debut InspireDesignTM for manufacturers and companies serving the hospitality design marketplace. The Gift + HomeTM show launches in June 2010, catering to the gift, decorative accessory and seasonal industries. For more information on World Market Center Las Vegas, visit www.LasVegasMarket.com.