Feb 2, 2015

Successful Start to 2015 in Dallas: Heavy Order Writing, Optimism & Inspiration

Dallas Market Center inspired the art of commerce at its recent Total Home & Gift Market and Dallas International Lighting Market, as it welcomed an increased number of buyers from multiple regions, unveiled thousands of new resources including a Luxury Gift neighborhood, hosted top headliners, and experienced record-breaking order writing numbers in all categories.

Exhibitors, manufacturers, rep groups and buyers alike noted the optimism and fresh outlook for 2015. The Market showed significant increases in attendance from the southeast, noting a more than 50 percent increase from Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina combined. Buyers also increased by 20 percent in Nevada, Utah and California alone. Mid-America remained strong, as well as Dallas Market Center’s home state and surrounding areas that exceed consumer confidence levels more than any other region.

Convenience took center stage in Dallas through enhanced technology, as hundreds of buyers experienced a new interactive and prompt Fast Pass system, as well as a new DART transportation line connecting buyers directly to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Dallas Market Center also welcomed the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) as it hosted its first-ever Winter Showcase, offering all aspects of the green industry to a new set of customers.

In showrooms, buyers especially noted the long-standing advantage of strong rep groups, differentiating the Dallas Market Center buying experience through efficiency and building a long-standing relationship with an expert well-versed in product and multiple manufacturers.

Dallas Market Center solidified itself as the market destination not only in product and convenience but also through inspiration. Dozens of events entertained and educated buyers, including exciting presentations with entertainment industry veteran Donny Osmond; gardening and lifestyle expert P. Allen Smith; Bravo TV’s Jeff Lewis in partnership with CODARUS; designer and makeover television personality Libby Langdon in Crystorama Lighting; and Renée Behnke, retail concept founder of Sur La Table speaking with Housewares Training & Information Group (HTI Buying Group).

Highlights of the Dallas January Market experience:

“I opened more new accounts and saw more new customers during this market than any other market before. You can really feel the traffic and the energy here in Dallas.” –Derrick Ricketts, national sales manager, Aidan Gray Home

“Almost 80 percent of the orders taken at this show were new stores we hadn’t seen before. For a small business, it’s fantastic to be able to create so many new relationships.” –Laura Zindel, owner, Laura Zindel Designs

“By every measure, Dallas Market exceeded our expectations. Our goal was to connect with independent retailers from the central and southwest regions of the country and we are delighted with the connections and relationships we formed. We really did feel welcomed in Dallas and we’ll be back!” –Joanne Domeniconi, co-founder and chief discovery officer, The Grommet, Lifestyle Temps

“On-trend displays earned our company, now celebrating its 35th year in business, the Best Visual Presentation Award, and a reporting of double-digit sales growth in Dallas.” –Johan Hekkelman, vice president of sales, Allstate Floral

“I’m not sure we would have been in business for 60 years without the Dallas Market Center. It brings everyone together, we are able to show new goods, talk business and meet with people in just a few days that otherwise would take us a whole year.” –Howard Bernstein, vice president of marketing, Artcraft

“We saw a renewed sense of enthusiasm for our 2015 Seasonal Line and remodeled showroom. We enjoyed a nice increase in showroom traffic both domestic and international with new buyers open to exciting new trends.” –Kay Hoggard, executive vice president, Direct Export

“The show exceeded our expectations. We did 25 percent more sales in Dallas than any other marketplace.” –Tim Goering, operations director, Scripted Simplicity in Lifestyle Temps

“We have been showing here in Dallas since the early 80’s. We just love the show and have had a lot of success. There are a lot of great customers, numbers are up, and traffic is good.” –Mac Cooper, president, Uttermost

“We had a great market and business was up across the board. Traffic was good and there was definitely lots of energy in our showroom throughout the show.” –Tiffany Vaughan, managing principal, The Mix

“The Dallas Market Center does the best job at reaching out to its customer base. We work with several different markets across the US, and we truly have a hand-in-hand partnership with Dallas Market Center.” –Seth King, vice president of sales, Surya

“This January was truly exceptional – expert demonstrations, celebrity appearances and the very best selection of vendors, displays and trend forecasting. Pair this with the nicest staff, comfortable location and expert advice. Hands down, Dallas is the Place to be!” –J Schwanke AIFD, PFCI, AAF and CEO of ubloom.com.

“Walking around Dallas Market Center has been absolutely fascinating. I didn’t realize the range of product…it has been an extraordinary experience.” –P. Allen Smith, television host, designer, gardening and lifestyle expert

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.