KEM’s Orlando Regional Furniture & Accessory Market Continues To Grow

Furniture World Magazine

Despite escalating gas prices and a downturn in the housing market, the 15th Orlando Furniture and Accessory Market will feature nearly 1,200 exhibit spaces, an increase from just 400 a few years ago. Produced by Karel Exposition Management KEM), the Market takes place at the Orange County Convention Center from Friday, August 25 through Sunday, August 27. Add the rising cost for manufacturers to maintain a permanent showroom, and an increasing number of retail buyers and manufacturers are turning to regional Markets to conduct their business. Exhibitors include manufacturers, representatives and distributors showcasing the latest in furniture, lighting, bedding and home accessories. Open exclusively to the trade, attendees include retail buyers representing furniture stores, lighting stores and specialty stores, as well as interior designers. Led by Larry Karel, KEM fills a vital niche in serving the needs of buyers and sellers of furniture and accessories. The 54 year-old company has grown to become the nation’s largest producer of Regional Furniture and Accessory Markets, and the success of KEM’s Orlando Market is indicative of the trend towards regionalized buying and selling. “The general economic climate warrants greater concentration on reaching out to retail buyers, rather than expecting them to travel distances to go to the manufacturers,” says Karel. “For less than the price of a tank of gas, the buyer can shop the market and return home the same day.” With the downturn in home sales, more and more homeowners are choosing to renovate and improve their homes, resulting in greater sales and more order-writing at the regional markets. In fact, KEM’s recent Market in Edison, New Jersey -- its 49th in that location -- resulted in a record number of exhibit spaces, with 90 percent already booked for the February 2007 Market. Exhibitors also find that KEM’s regional markets are a more cost-effective alternative, allowing them to sell to many medium and large retailers, without having to incur huge travel costs. “By offering reasonable exhibitor fees, KEM provides an affordable alternative for manufacturers who do not have a permanent showroom space, as well as for those who simply want to enhance their exposure through Regional Markets,” adds Karel. The Orlando Furniture & Accessory Market takes place from Friday, August 25 through Sunday, August 27 in the North Hall NA of the Orange County Convention Center, 9400 Universal Blvd, Orlando. Hours are 9:30 AM to 5 PM. The Market is open to the trade only, including retailers, buyers, distributors and designers. With headquarters in Aventura, Florida, Karel Exposition Management has been producing furniture and accessory shows, bringing buyers and manufacturers together since 1952. In addition to Orlando and Edison, the 2006-2007 show schedule also includes Markets in Houston, Atlantic City and Los Angeles. For further information, please visit KEM online at www.kemexpo.com or call (305) 792-9990.