Manufacturers Acclaim Sold-Out Southern California Furniture & Accessory Market

Furniture World Magazine

Thanks to a strong California housing market, a diverse range of manufacturers and three days of 'Wall-to-wall buyers," the Southern California Furniture & Accessory Market delivered exceptional results for its 500-plus exhibitors. "Many of our manufacturers said it was one of their best shows ever," said Larry Karel, president, Karel Exposition Management, which produced the sold-out November 19-20-21 market at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach. "We had nearly 1,000 stores in attendance." Antonio Romero, Acme Trading, was one of the exhibitors praising the recent Long Beach show. "Most manufacturers judge a show on three important things: sales, new accounts opened and quality of buyers," he said. "Long Beach gets three stars from me." Other exhibitors echoed Romero's comments. Eric Yen, CE Furniture, called Long Beach the "best show ever." Barry Cross, Rachlin Group-Legacy, said the show delivered "good traffic and good exposure for our products." Arsho Manoukian, Aleco Furniture Manufacturing, noted the wide array of manufacturers who were "well displayed" at the show, and Bob Irish, Delma Arredo, said the Long Beach market "exceeded our expectations for business and commitments." Merchandise on display at the market - which was sponsored by Home Furnishings Representatives Guild (HFRG) of Southern California - provided attendees from the trades with an advance look at the latest trends in home products. Formerly held in Pomona, CA, the record-breaking show attracted buyers from throughout California, Arizona and Nevada. Karel noted that many exhibitors will be returning to the West for the Los Vegas Furniture & Accessory Market to be held May 5-6-7, 2001 in the Sands Expo & Convention Center. "We already have a large number of commitments for our Vegas show," he said. Next year's Southern California show in Long Beach is expected to include additional exhibit space. "We have requested two adjoining exhibit halls for next year to accommodate the strong demand we are expecting," said Karel. Sergio Moreno, Kurwood Furniture Manufacturing, summed up the 2000 Long Beach market succinctly: "Nice show. Lots of traffic. Will be back!" Founded in 1952, Karel Exposition Management, based in Aventura, Florida, is the nation's largest producer of regional furniture and accessory markets. In 2001, Karel Exposition Management will be holding eight regional markets in Edison, NJ; Fitchburg, MA; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Las Vegas, NV; Orlando, FL; Worcester, MA; and Long Beach, CA. 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.