Jun 24, 2011

Lighting Retailers Honored During Showroom of the Year Awards

Dallas, TX – Dallas Market Center, the world’s most complete wholesale marketplace, and Residential Lighting magazine yesterday announced the winners of the second annual Showroom of the Year Awards. The event, hosted in the lighting expansion area of the Trade Mart, recognized the best lighting retailers in North America. Guests gathered inside the world’s largest lighting marketplace to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and celebrate the winners. This year’s winners are:

Revenue Under $2 million – Light Up Your Life, Sarasota, Fla.
Since 1998 Light Up Your Life has taken a personal approach to finding the right lighting solution for its customers. They pride themselves on their in-depth knowledge of technology and lighting systems, and weekly updates of displays that create warmth. Accepting the award for Light Up Your Life was President Susan Inderbinen and Vice President/CFO Moritz Inderbinen.

Revenue $2 million to $5 million – Cleveland Lighting, Lyndhurst, Ohio
After a total loss after fire, Cleveland Lighting took the opportunity to rebuild in 2009 and create a state-of-the-art showroom. They strive to create a comfortable shopping experience for consumers and a serious resource for builders, architects and interior designers. Accepting the award for Cleveland Lighting was President Marty Bursky.

Revenue Over $5 million – Union Lighting & Furnishings, Toronto, Ontario
Opening more than 50 years ago, Union Lighting & Furnishings is Canada’s largest lighting showroom. They aim to provide an unparalleled experience in furnishings retailing, offering quality and value at all price points. Additionally, they are the largest contributor of new retail goods in the Toronto area to Salvation Army retail stores, and contribute to a number of other charities including Make-a-Wish Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Restore. Accepting on behalf of Union Lighting & Furnishings was Charles Meshwork of Minka Group.

Most Significant Accomplishment – Urban Lights, Denver, Colo.
In 2010 Urban Lights remodeled and rebranded in just eight weeks. Not only was the showroom remodeled, but also the exterior of the building and landscaping were renovated. They pride themselves on having the largest lighting selection in Colorado. Accepting the award for Urban Lights was President David Nestor.

Outstanding Merchandising Display – Design Lighting, Surrey, British Columbia
Since its opening in 2009 Design Lighting has stuck by their motto, “uniquely placed to capture the individual’s eye.” They are most proud of their “warmly welcoming” displays that mix warm tones to convey comfort. Accepting the award for Design Lighting was Showroom Manager Yvonne Onderwater.

Exceptional Community Involvement – Metro Lighting, Berkeley, Calif.
Metro Lighting is a certified green business that incorporates sustainable design and energy-efficient options wherever possible. Its top priority is delivering a beautiful product, but never at the expense of people or the environment. Metro Lighting holds strong to its commitment to local manufacturing, traditional crafts and sustainable design. Accepting the award for Metro Lighting was Owner Lawrence Grown.

For more information visit the Dallas Market Center website. Also, to keep up-to-date on market information visit Dallas Market Center on Facebook and Twitter.

About Dallas Market Center
Founded in 1957, Dallas Market Center is the world’s most complete wholesale marketplace. Within its marketplace of more than five million square feet, retailers from around the globe source products ranging from home furnishings, gifts, decorative accessories and lighting to textiles, fashion accessories and men’s, western, women’s and children’s apparel. With more than 50 markets each year attended by more than 200,000 retail buyers from all 50 states and 78 countries, Dallas Market Center offers hundreds of events and seminars geared toward helping retailers expand business and increase profits. As a result, more than $8 billion in estimated wholesale transactions are conducted annually within the Dallas Market Center complex. The Dallas Market Center website is available at www.dallasmarketcenter.com.