LAS VEGAS— Tabletop and gourmet housewares exhibitors participating in the winter Las Vegas Market reported a positive experience, highlighting growth in both retail and brand participation and a chance to meet with retailers in distinct geographical areas, given the show’s location.
Vendors reported an opportunity to sell to Midwest and West Coast retailers, as well as those from Alaska and Hawaii. A select few also had participation from East Coast retailers, including those from Maryland, North Carolina, and Brooklyn. High design-driven tabletop companies also found connections with high-end designers and retailers. Many reported an international buying presence and found new opportunities with walk-in traffic.
Exhibitors not only spoke of increased retailer participation but also of the vendor community. “The participation from the housewares industry is up; there are more big brands at the show,” said Martin Kehoe, owner, Product Specialties, Inc.
Luca Prandelli, sales manager, Mepra, said the Las Vegas Market allowed his brand to “attract new customers, not only geographically, but demographically,” including the design community, as well as retailer buyers that are not solely tabletop, but might be expanding their furnishings or lifestyle assortment to include tableware. “We really believe in this market. This is the place to be. It is the only show on the West Coast,” added Prandelli.
Katherine Waymire, president, Talisman Designs, said the market attracted many gift and kitchen stores from the western U.S. and Canada.
Yossie Britton, managing director, Eva Solo, added that the show’s Las Vegas location allowed buyers that are financially and time strapped to not have to travel as far to be introduced to new collections.
“The encouraging thing is we see a steady increase of customers and orders,” said Rolf Poeting, president, Rolf Glass.
“We picked up some customers we wouldn’t be able to get,” added Paula Johnson, Rolf Glass creative director. “I love that tabletop is downstairs and has a prime location, and they are growing that category.”
Magenta utilized the show to debut a lifestyle statement to go along with its gourmet tableware, said Helen Moon, corporate sales manager and development, Magenta. Having a new showroom location in C-1, Moon found a benefit in a cohesive showroom statement the market created on the floor. “I’ve found that it’s the first destination for many retailers. It helps when your neighbors relate to one another,” she said.
“I’m confident it’s going to keep growing and pull strong independent retailers from west of the Mississippi. We keep seeing the growth,” said Donna Territo, president, Abbiamo Tutto.
