Sizzling Sales At Edison Furniture & Accessory Market Bring Summer Warmth To New Jersey

Furniture World Magazine

It might have been August rather than February, judging from the warm smiles on the faces of exhibitors at the Edison Furniture & Accessory Market, held Feb. 4-5-6 at the New Jersey Convention Center in Edison, NJ. "Even with the bad weather, this was an excellent show," said Marvin Litman, Wright's Furniture. "We had new accounts galore." Another exhibitor, Ari Schoenbrun, Standard Furniture, called it "another super show." He added, "Our current dealers got a preview of our spring introductions, and we were delighted with the number of dealers who filled out new account applications." The renamed show - formerly known as the Mid-Atlantic Furniture & Accessory Market - was a sizzling sellout with the highest attendance in history, according to Larry Karel, president, Karel Exposition Management, which produced the market. "Judging from the heavy order writing, there was no recession in sight," he said. "Our show had more than 1,000 exhibit spaces in both the hall and adjoining pavilion, and was our largest ever in terms of square footage." Citing the show's effective layout, Dave Byington, Claude-Gable Co., said, "This show has always produced new accounts and added business. The new layout of showroom-like spaces was great." Exhibitor Herb Gimpel, Orleans Furniture who has been showing products at Karel's regional shows since 1982, praised the timing. "We have always found that these regional shows have been a boost in sales at the time when business slows down," he said. "Each year in New Jersey the attendance has increased, along with the variety of dealers attending. That makes for an increase in the potential income for yourself and the factory." John Turano, John Turano & Sons. added, "The show has allowed us to see many of our existing customers who do not have the opportunity to come to High Point or see us during the year. Also, we have seen customers form all over the Tri-State area giving us a variety of dealers." Jose Furman, Rex Bedding, agreed with Turano. "Having contact with our customers on a personal basis and the ability for them to view our new products is a real asset. Friendships develop in a casual atmosphere, and the show was a great success for us." Karel Exposition Management is producing the next Edison Furniture & Accessory Market on August 5-6-7, 2001, in the same location. "We expect another excellent turnout for the summer market," said Karel. "We expect to continue with the very popular expansion pavilion to best accommodate our exhibitors." Founded in 1952, Karel Exposition Management, based in Aventura, FL, is the nation's largest producer of regional furniture and accessory markets. "Larry Karel's marketing skills continue to propel the home furnishings industry forward," commented exhibitors Barry and Bob Fink, Homeline Industries. In 2001, Karel Exposition Management will produce seven more regional markets: • Fort Lauderdale, FL - March 2-3-4, Broward County Convention Center • Fitchburg, MA - March 18-19-20, Royal Plaza Trade Center • Las Vegas, NV - May 5-6-7, Sands Expo & Convention Center • Edison, NJ - August 5-6-7, New Jersey Convention & Expo Center • Orlando, FL - August 24-25-26, Orange County Convention Center • Worcester, MA - September 23-24-25, Centrum Centre • Long Beach, CA - November 18-19-20, Long Beach Convention Center For information, call Karel Exposition Management at (305) 792-9990 or by fax at (305) 792-9898 or visit the website at www.kemexpo.com.