Dallas Market sees surge of energy and inspiration

Dozens of new showrooms, more special events, exciting growth and more

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 6/29/2012 12:02:00 PM

DALLAS - Dallas Market Center announced that its recent Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, held June 20-26, was bursting with energy and inspiration around every corner during the seven-day show that included the Dallas International Lighting Market, FINDS Dallas Temp Show, Dallas Holiday & Home Expo and Dallas Hospitality & Contract Design Show.

"The energy level was remarkable as we launched the summer show cycle," said Bill Winsor, president and CEO, Dallas Market Center. "Supported by new tech tools such as our App and improved free Wi-Fi, buyers from across the country arrived ready for business. Reviewing more than 275 new showrooms and temps, foot traffic was heavier on the front-end of market but the serious buyers had a steady presence. Although economic challenges remain, we are seeing evidence of stronger consumer confidence in the middle of the country."

Dozens of new and expanded permanent showrooms debuted with a range of new resources throughout the 5-million-sq.-ft. campus. The FINDS Dallas Temp Show categories - Design FINDS, Fashion FINDS and Red Haute FINDS - doubled in size for this June's show. Overall there were more than 250 new FINDS exhibitors. The unique and on-trend offerings in Vintage Home FINDS and French Market FINDS presented products that cannot be found elsewhere. Foodie FINDS and Table & Houseware FINDS debuted during Market, complementing the newly renovated and expanded Gourmet Market.

Attendance reflected the broadening buyer base attending Market in Dallas. There were the most new stores since 2006 and an increase in buyers from the Southwest, Mid-America and West. More than 100 major stores attended Market including: 1-800-Flowers, Bed Bath & Beyond, Cabela's, Cost Plus World Market, Dillard's, Harry & David, Hemispheres, Home Depot, HomeGoods, JCPenney, Jordan's Furniture, Kohl's, Marmaxx, NapaStyle, NM Direct/Horchow, One Kings Lane, Pier 1 Imports, Rooms To Go, Stage Stores, Star Furniture, Von Maur and many others.

While at the show, buyers participated in more than 140 special events, seminars, hospitalities and found inspiration through more displays throughout Market. A huge highlight of the show was renowned Australian Chef Curtis Stone, who presented a product and cooking demonstration to more than 500 market attendees on Saturday at the new Culinary Stage. His line, Kitchen Solutions, is represented in Source One Marketing, Trade Mart 1-1949.

"Our showroom had great traffic throughout market," said Bill Rogers, president, Source One Marketing. "All of our lines were well received - especially the launch of Curtis Stone's Kitchen Solutions. There was a ton of buzz and excitement throughout the show."

"The debut of the Aidan Gray corporate showroom in Dallas saw one of the top performing shows in the history of the company," said Derrick Ricketts, national sales manager, Aidan Gray. "Our expectations were dramatically exceeded. We were packed the entire show with eager customers who could finally see a complete and integrated vision of the brand."

"The June Lighting Market in Dallas is critical to building the DVI brand across North America," said Robert Borg, CEO, DVI Lighting. "Buyers attending in June are very seriously committed to their business by choosing to be in Dallas twice a year. This June was the best show ever for DVI in Dallas. Buyers that attended were rolling up their sleeves and getting back to business, which we found exciting."

"Dallas is an important market for UMA, and we are thrilled that for the June show our sales grew nicely over last summer," said David Moses, EVP business development, UMA Enterprises.

"Dallas is larger than life - we love the city and the market center," said Vinay Golchha, Cloud 9, Home FINDS. "We expanded with great new designer pillows that help bring fashion into the home and had a fantastic show."

"We're very pleased with our first time at market," said Judy Hill, J Hill Designs. "Vintage Home FINDS is an outstanding way for buyers to get one-of-a-kind items. Dallas is a first-class show."

"The greatest thing about this summer's market was the customers," said Mark Tarner, South Bend Chocolate Company, Foodie FINDS. "There were lots of them and they were buying - a great recipe for success!"

"Design FINDS was a success for us," said Michelle Cox, OLIVIA RIEGEL. "The area was well organized with good visibility and buyers were excited about the mix of vendors. We look forward to our next appearance in Dallas."

"Congratulations to the Gourmet Market on a great show," said Gage Meyer, owner and president, Gage Inc. "Because of excellent vendors, a great layout, special events, superior customer service - the Gourmet Market was a destination for buyers. Dallas is on the rise in the gourmet industry!"