Last month’s Lightovation show at Dallas Market Center saw its largest store attendance in three years, including an increase in attendance from international retailers.
In addition to the strong turnout by retail buyers from throughout the Western Hemisphere, a record number of new and expanding showrooms debuted inside the lighting marketplace. Major investments from several leading manufacturers totaled more than 50,000 square feet of additional space for lighting resources in the Trade Mart building.
Among the new and expanding exhibitors for January were the debut of a 14,000 square-foot showroom on the atrium of the Trade Mart from WAC Lighting’s Modern Forms to Progress Lighting’s dramatically expanded 20,000 square foot space. Tech Lighting added 50 percent more space to its showroom. Arteriors debuted a relocated and expanded space, and Designers Fountain expanded its footprint by more than 70 percent in a new location. The Progress and Tech expansions were also given Visual Display Awards.
“For five days in January, we serve as the global center of residential lighting innovation, craftsmanship and style,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Looking ahead to June 2018 and beyond, we will be creating even more opportunities to highlight the exciting advancements in technology and connectivity driving more consumer decisions and more retail opportunities.”
“Lightovation is the most important decorative lighting industry event of the year, and the January edition was a blockbuster event,” said Rick Seidman of Quoizel Lighting. “Buyers were motivated by the continuing strong pace of retail as well as the products they saw at the show. The most important buyers were in attendance and robust new product line orders were a welcome start to 2018.”
Headlining the hundreds of market events, showroom receptions, promotions and seminars was the appearance by Hollywood legend Diane Keaton. The presentation, attended by more than 1,000 customers, included the personal story behind her latest book, “The House That Pinterest Built.” On Friday evening, the 29th annual ARTS Awards took place to a capacity crowd, awarding the home industry’s highest honor across more than 20 categories.
Among the events held at the show were merchandising tours, seminars from the American Lighting Association, networking among women in the industry and a special event for young executives.
Among the product highlights at this January’s event were two exciting designer collaborations with corresponding in-showroom appearances. Corey Damen Jenkins of HGTV’s “Showhouse Showdown” released a chic new collection for Hudson Valley Lighting, while Lisa McDennon launched a modern organic line with Hinkley’s luxury brand Fredrick Ramond.
Looking ahead to June 2018, make plans to secure special rates for summer market hotels—limited blocks of $99 rooms are available for retailers and $129 rooms are available for reps at the Sheraton, the lighting industry’s official host hotel. Stop by the info booth on the third floor of the Trade Mart for information. While visiting the booth, nominate retail personnel who have never been to market before for the June 2018 Light Stars program, and get info about 2018 Showroom of the Year nominations.
