This month’s Dallas Total Home & Gift Market saw a record number of exhibiting companies in new and expanded showrooms, new retailer buyers and more out of territory retailers from the central U.S. and southeast.
A record-setting 52 new and expanding showrooms debuted during the seven-day global trade event as well as thousands of new product launches from leading industry names and emerging companies. Lightovation alone saw 50,000 square feet of new and expanding showrooms.
“The January show was clearly the strongest buying event in recent memory as we delivered more of what retailers and designers need: new showrooms, new products, inspiring events and interaction with industry influencers,” said Cindy Morris, Dallas Market Center President and CEO.
The strong buyer attendance and steady order writing was driven by a successful retail holiday season, high demand for more new and unique products, the record number of new resources available in Dallas and by Dallas Market Center’s prime location in the center of the strongest economic zone in the U.S.
Headlining the hundreds of market events, showroom receptions, promotions and seminars was the appearance by Hollywood legend Diane Keaton. The dynamic presentation, attended by more than 1,000 customers, included the personal story behind her latest book, “The House That Pinterest Built.” The presentation was followed by a reception and book signing in the Aidan Gray showroom. 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 as well as the Academy of Achievement honor to Randy Eller and a Humanitarian Award to the Houston Furniture Bank.
For interior designers and fans of interior design, a full slate of events educated and entertained. Influencers including Alexa Hampton, Nick May, Julia Buckingham, Robin Baron, Steven Favreau, Michael Mitchell, Tyler Hill, Donna Moss, Dann Foley, Libby Langdon, Michelle Workman, Nancy Price, Kelli Ellis and Rebecca Robeson participated in design panels throughout the show to eager crowds.
Exhibitors in the home and lighting sectors reported a successful show that created momentum for 2018:
Home:
“Park Hill has been blessed once again with significant sales growth and our customers have been thrilled with our expanded showroom. We definitely made the right decision to invest in our future. We are grateful for our partners at the Dallas Market Center for helping make our expansion a profitable reality.” - Herren Hickingbotham, Park Hill
“Accent Decor had a great market in Dallas last week. We love our new space and there was a lot of excitement for the entire week. The number of orders and new customers exceeded our already high expectations.” - Frank Hofland, Accent Decor
“We continued our Grand Opening celebration with good traffic and lots of positive vibes from buyers. I have had a day or two to look at sales totals and those positive vibes translated to a great market! We can’t wait for more growth in our daily sales now that our new home is finished!” - Jane Murray, Taylors
Lighting:
“The Minka Group had an outstanding show--buyers responded positively to our 763 new items. Lightovation as a show continues to deliver new styles and innovation which creates a must-attend event. We applaud the partnership we have with Dallas Market Center and our continuing collaboration to create a dynamic event.” - Tim Flannery, Minka Group
"The Progress Lighting team was eager to welcome customers to our newly renovated showroom, while sharing with them our new lighting introductions and insight on developing trends. It was a fantastic show for us and a great way to start 2018." - Jennifer Kis, Progress Lighting
