Dallas Total Home & Gift Market opened summer show season with retailer optimism

Show organizers reported steady order writing across the marketplace for the June 18-24 event.

Dallas Market Center opened the summer show season with retailer optimism and steady order writing across the marketplace during the Total Home & Gift Market, June 18-24. The show welcomed thousands of independent retail decision makers from coast to coast and internationally as well as a large number of major retailers and buying groups.

“We were extremely pleased with the new show given the shifting economic and global trade conditions,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Not only did retailers arrive in force but they were optimistic and eager to place orders especially with exhibitors who had in-stock items or new products. The consistent message we heard from exhibitors was that the show ‘exceeded their expectations.’ We have worked hard to stand with retail, oppose tariffs and promote the in-person market experience as the best opportunity to have conversations, make informed decisions and discover products that will make a difference for their business.”

Attendance included a large number of buyers who have never attended market in Dallas, according to Dallas Market Center. This trend of attendance by more new buyers, which began during the pandemic, has remained consistent as retailers and interior designers visit the Dallas events.

“There’s something special about this market. We discovered at least three to five new vendors we didn’t expect,” said Karen Wooten of Hallmark in Mesa, Arizona.

In addition to welcoming retailers and interior designers, new showrooms debuted for the June event with an immediate strong return on their investment. Ida Mae Home opened a new showroom in the World Trade Center and commented on the immediate results.

“We were overwhelmed by the positive energy, excitement and support we received from our buyers,” said Kristin Kiseljack, CEO of Ida Mae Home. “Overall, great markets for us and we feel very positive about our position coming out of them.”

Dallas Market Center said showrooms that have been a part of the marketplace for years also generally agreed that the June event was positive for them. “K&K Interiors had an awesome show,” said Mark Walls, vice president of sales. “We were up in sales compared to a year ago, and June 2025 was the largest summer show in Dallas history.”

Other exhibitors also noted that there were positive retailer attitudes at the show.

“We had retailers with positivity and who were planning and buying for the second half,” shared Andy Bjorn, chief sales officer at Ivystone. “The more experienced retailers asked good questions, while we also noticed that many retailers didn’t seem too worried about surcharges.” The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market also welcomed hundreds of exhibitors to remerchandised destinations inside the discovery zone for new products that could help retailers stand out.

Dallas Market Center plans to prepare for upcoming events, including its Apparel & Accessories Market Aug. 12-15 and Total Home & Gift Market Sept. 16-18.