Jan 30, 2014

Dallas Reports Strong Start to 2014

Dallas Market Center, the most convenient and easy-to-shop marketplace, today announced that its recent Total Home & Gift Market, held Jan. 15-21, signaled a strong start to 2014 with increases in attendance across multiple categories and regions, thousands of new resources, top headliners, events and inspiration throughout its 5 million square feet.

“Commerce came full circle in Dallas as hundreds of new and expanded exhibitors were unveiled, coupled with an overall attendance increase,” said Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center. “Buyers showed up early and attended from all 50 states and 55 countries. Dallas Market is fortunate to be located in one of the healthiest economic regions in the U.S., and we anticipate a strong and successful 2014.”

The Market showed significant increases in attendance from the Northeast, Southwest and West, as well as internationally, with double-digit surges in buyers showing up on the front end of the show. Spikes in attendance were seen in the Design, Furniture, Home Accents and Lighting industries, and Dallas hotel bookings increased more than 60 percent as thousands of new stores attended Dallas for the first time.

Technology soared in Dallas with 3,200 new downloads of the Dallas Market App. The App, combined with improved Wi-Fi and extensive cellular coverage, offered every resource for buyers and exhibitors to navigate Market while doing business. Industry-leading social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram kept attendees inspired and informed – with more than 700,000 impressions through social media.

Dallas hosted dozens of members of the press as well as design and lifestyle bloggers for Sneak Peek – A Conversation Starter, for an exclusive first-look at home and gift products and trends.

Buyers participated in more than 90 special events and seminars, and more than 50 hospitalities. Top headliners educated and entertained including Thomas O’Brien, an acclaimed home furnishings retailer and interior designer; Chris Hanmer, a rising star in the pastry industry and winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef Just Desserts;” and Alex Hitz, celebrity chef, cookbook author and founder of the luxury gourmet food product line The Beverly Hills Kitchen.

Highlights of our customers’ Dallas Market experience:

“We had our best Dallas show ever! Our partnership with the Dallas Market on our new space helped deliver many new, out-of-territory buyers that wrote strong orders.” – Derrick Ricketts, national sales manager, Aidan Gray Home

“We experienced the biggest show in our 30-year history with select lines up nearly 50 percent over last year.” – Leon Goetz, owner, Goetz, Inc.

“This market was our very best in more than 23 years! At times we were actually overrun with eager buyers. Traffic was strong and steady – a fantastic market.” – Patrick Ongena, owner, Patrick & Company

“We welcomed an increase in buyers from across the country and internationally, resulting in a record-breaking Market with a 10 percent surge in sales.” – Danny McDonald, vice president, Regency International

“Buyers are very responsive to our line in Dallas. This January, our sales numbers increased by 30 percent.” – Nima Oberoi, creative director, Lunares, Design Temps

“Energy was high and our numbers were up as more new buyers joined us in Dallas as well as our long-standing loyal customers.” – Cody Hutcheson, founder and creative director, CODARUS

“January was a big success with an increase in attendance and a rise in orders. Year after year we’re pleased with the Dallas Lighting Market – we see showrooms from across North America and internationally.” – Tony Zitoli, vice president of sales, Eurofase

“We celebrated our 20th anniversary in Dallas in a big way – we were flooded with buyers, placing strong orders, producing record-breaking days.” – Randa Crisler, director of sales, The Portico Collection

“January Market was great for us! Business was up with steady traffic throughout the show and an increase in crossover buyers.” – Jane E. Murray, owner, Taylors on Ten

“We had a fantastic show in Dallas with an increase in foot traffic and a large amount of orders placed. It was great to see buyers excited and energetic.” – Maxine Burton, president and COO, burton + BURTON

“We formed new relationships with buyers and vendors from coast-to-coast in Dallas. The partnership with the Dallas Market is strong and we look forward to June.” – KC Lapiana, president, HTI Buying Group

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 85 countries, Dallas Market Center offers hundreds of events and seminars geared toward helping retailers expand business and increase profits. The Dallas Market Center website is available at dallasmarketcenter.com.