A special report from Giftware News’ columnist Marilyn Nason
Home was the key word for the hundreds of both new exhibitors and introductions presented in the vastly-expanded showroom and temporary booth areas of Gift + Home Building C section at the World Market Center, as well as among the hundreds of existing and new case goods/furniture/furnishings categories in Buildings A and B during the Las Vegas Market July 29-August 2.
Focus on the home highlighted showrooms and temporary booths of many of the displays, as well as in the seek-and-purchase planning of thousands of retailers/designers/decorators attending the semi-annual market, who emphasized this was the direction their customers were headed for both self-purchases and gift choices.
Continuing the momentum evident at both major and regional shows thus far this year was the ongoing importance to consumers of every aspect of their home décor. This is true -- be it a 3,000 square-foot multi-story luxury home; business couple snowbirder's simplistic condo, first-timer apartment or retiree's manufactured house -- not to mention the growing influence of former shipping containers that have taken hold as mini-living space in many communities where basic multi-functional home décor is critical.
Couple the home as the place the entire family (and pets) can enjoy and add outdoor gardening, accessorized outdoor living and leisure decor styling that could be seen throughout, the Las Vegas Market. Companies were promoting these casual lifestyles as ideal for every age and every interest whether in case goods, sleep surfaces, all things needed in kitchen/bed/bath areas, for gift-giving and self-purchases.
Mid to mid-high price points reflected the seriousness of what retailers were choosing in merchandise choices for their store's inventory mix to address the interests of their specific core customer base.
Topping the list of buyer favorites were all types of Christmas ornaments (including family photos making them certain to remain on display year-round); casual practical, work-anywhere-with anything tableware and serveware that still coordinates with the home's preferred colorways; quality carved wooden plaques with whimsical and or inspirational sayings; mirrors in every size and shape and embellished frames; pillows and throws in vibrant colorful patterns to augment sofas, chairs, beds, floor areas. Also popular were all manner of contemporary wall pieces and sculpted pieces to provide instant eye appeal in any room.
Blur-the-Lines has become the underlining home furnishings, accessories theme in everything from chairs, lanterns, candle holders, hanging plaques to side tables, table textiles, tabletop/serveware and even games equally stylish and practical both indoors and outdoors.
Molly Holm, owner of Glory Haus with Angela Riess, vice president of sales
Dan Loughman, Roman Inc. president/ceo in their new showroom
Trish Church Podlasek, DEMDACO's director of marketing
Unicorn Studio Inc. (dba Veronese Design)'s Michael Chang, vice president
Liesli Ludwig, chief executive officer of Anne McGilvray & Co.
At The Royal Standard, Krista Peirce with Cheryl Burns, showroom manager
At Manual Woodworkers & Weavers, Jennifer Newman, new products designer, with Rhonda Smith, trade show coordinator
Dan Leach, owner of Accessories Now
Bob Maricich,, International Market Centers, chief executive officer
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