Buyers and sellers at the recent Las Vegas Market expressed optimism for post-election recovery fueled by innovation and customer connections, despite current economic challenges facing the home furnishings and gift industries. The Summer 2024 edition of Las Vegas Market ran July 28 – Aug. 1 at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“The summer shows, including Las Vegas Market, have been a remarkable demonstration of the industry’s adaptability and resilience,” said Jon Pertchik, ANDMORE CEO. “As we navigate through economic headwinds, it’s clear that our shared commitment and innovative approaches will guide us towards a brighter future.”
More than 3,500 product lines in both permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits combined with robust category-specific programming delivered an immersive buying opportunity across furniture, bedding, home decor and gift categories. With 30% of the total attendees being first-time visitors to Las Vegas Market, the event delivered on the opportunity for showrooms and exhibitors to meet new buyers and open new accounts.
A consistent refrain among gift industry thought-leaders was the role of market participation in today’s business climate.
“Even during challenging times, market remains our most effective marketing tool,” said Jacob Gerson, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of The Gerson Companies. “It generates the highest number of leads compared to any other method, as nothing showcases our merchandise better than a physical setting that allows us to get in front of our customers.”
RoadRunners Vice President of Operations Angela Schmook added, “We had a solid Summer show, and we can attribute that to the dedication that is required to thrive in this industry. The brands that invested in new product introductions and attended market to support their reps had successful shows. Now, more than ever, buyers want to touch, feel and smell what they’re buying. Trade shows are essential to this experience.”
Earlier this year, the gift industry launched “Reps Are Local Too,” as a movement that emphasizes the value of ordering from local sales representatives and investing in shopping local, directly from the source. Schmook said, “The ‘Reps Are Local Too’ movement was born from a need for support for rep agencies, and we didn’t expect the industry – retailers, brands and ANDMORE – to rally behind it so strongly. We are in an active phase to find retailers and brands to help us move this forward over the coming months.”
Beyond exhibits, the Summer 2024 edition was marked by excitement surrounding business, design and trend education and gatherings. Standing-room-only seminars, including keynotes by Roger Thomas, Kathy Kuo and Alaina Kaz of The Everygirl, provided valuable insights. Community-building events, such as an exclusive designer soiree at Wynn, encouraged networking and inspiration, and engaging on-site activations allowed buyers to experience products in new ways. These elements combined to create an atmosphere of optimism and collaboration, reinforcing the industry’s readiness to overcome challenges and welcome future opportunities.
At the conclusion of the five-day market, a sense of renewed energy and strategic focus signaled a brighter and more resilient future for the industry. The Winter 2025 Las Vegas Market runs Sunday, Jan. 26 – Thursday, Jan. 30 at World Market Center Las Vegas.
