Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, which took place Jan. 8-14 at Dallas Market Center, welcomed more new attendees and steady order writing, according to show organizers. Despite challenging winter weather conditions early in the show, the first market of the year still featured strong buying enthusiasm.
“There was a strong turnout and enthusiasm at Total Home & Gift Market,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Attendance rebounded following unprecedented weather, and we welcomed a record number of new attendees to the marketplace. We also carried that momentum forward into shows held later in the month as gift and home retailers attended our other events, such as our Apparel & Accessories Market.”
The seven-day trade event welcomed thousands of single and multi-location retailers, interior designers, buying groups and stores. Markets held later in the month, including Apparel & Accessories Market and the Western Market, welcomed more new and returning buyers than in more than five years.
Exhibitors noted the supportive traffic and order writing at Total Home & Gift Market.
“We missed a few customers due to the weather but had a great show,” said Cliff Price, president of Cliff Price & Company. “Our average order was up significantly compared to last year and most retailers are optimistic about the new year.”
Matthew Wilson, Paleck showroom manager, said attendance was solid as were buying numbers.
“We saw buyers arriving as early as Monday and staying later than previous shows,” he said. “Weather seemed not to be a deterrent for many buyers. Our market business, plus our daily business, continues to be strong.”
Among the newest showrooms at Dallas Market Center, Coco & Dash, a multi-line and open-daily destination for home decor, attracted plenty of buyers. Teddie Garrigan, co-founder and creative director, said, “Dallas Market Center attracts engaged buyers and continues to set the stage for a dynamic and productive year.”
“Our first January market was filled with excitement and enthusiasm,” said Courtney Garrigan, co-founder and president. “Steady traffic and impressive buyer engagement allowed us to connect with passionate retailers and designers, reinforcing Dallas Market Center as the premier marketplace for meaningful conversations and lasting connections.”
The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market ran Jan. 8-11, welcoming hundreds of new and returning exhibitors, with 35% of exhibitors being new to Dallas Market Center.
“Dallas is always a great market for us,” said Stacey Reid of TINte Cosmetics. “We always pick up many great, new accounts and have loved seeing and working with our existing customers. I feel the momentum and will continue to build and bring new customers, exhibitors and brands to Dallas.”
There were several additions and expansions that debuted at Total Home & Gift Market this January. In the World Trade Center, Vivian Watson Associates (WTC 6694) debuted, presenting hardware and furniture; Anne McGilvray (WTC 270) expanded; Giftcraft moved from Trade Mart into WTC 333; and expansions took place for American Best (WTC 452), Melrose/Ekkolight Infinity Lights (WTC 305-1), Zaer (WTC 394), Oriental Trimmings (WTC 6694) and Pasha Furniture (WTC 680). Relocating brands included Ashore (WTC 521) and Boston Mills (WTC 6690).
In Trade Mart, multi-line gift agency Patrick & Co. (TM 2927/2727/2741) expanded, adding more than a dozen new brands. Olivia Riegel (TM 2618) relocated and expanded, while the market center welcomed new showrooms, including Christian Art Gifts (TM 1400), wrapping and ribbon from Laribbons and Crafts (TM 2634) and lifestyle brand Laura Patrick Designs/Prince of Scots (TM 1420).
The show also featured events, including influencers, icons, experts and other inspiring content. The Speaking of Retail: A Collective of Conversations was held over three days, covering topics including navigating family dynamics, visual merchandising, and making the journey from design and brick and mortar.
The next Total Home & Gift Market runs concurrently with Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld, March 25-28.
