The January 28 to February 1 Winter Las Vegas Market exceeded expectations for attendance, according to host International Market Centers. The event was the best attended of those held at the World Market Center Las Vegas over the past four years, the organization stated.

An influx of new retailers and exhibiting lines provided a boost, the organization asserted. Exhibitors contacted by HomeWorld Busieness said they were satisfied with retail attendance and their appointments.

IMC stated that the market enjoyed significant attendance gains among retailers across all categories including international buyers.

Retail attendance from the United States was up 6%, IMC related. International buyer attendance rose 5% year over year, driven by a 15% gain among buyers from Latin America and Pacific Rim, respectively, as well as an 8% gain in Canadian buyers over a year ago.

In terms of retail representation, most notable increases came from home décor buyers, up 39%. The number of home textile buyers grew by 26%, while mattress retailer and contract hospitality buyer attendance increased by 11% from a year ago. In addition, the market doubled the number of floor coverings retailers participating due to the strategic partnership with Surfaces Expo.

“This past Winter Market set new company records for an overwhelming number of manufacturers and contributed to a renewed, positive outlook for the entire industry. I can truly say it was the best Las Vegas Market in my tenure of five years,” said Robert Maricich, IMC CEO.

He attributed the optimism to the improving economy.

“We’re getting a multiplication of better business, people playing to win and better buyer attendance,” Maricich said. “With the strength of this Las Vegas Market, recently released positive national housing reports and clear industry momentum, we feel this bodes very well for a strong spring market. What we saw at market is an encouraging indicator of what’s to come in 2013.”