Apr 9, 2012

Paul Watson Promoted to Vice President of Design of International Market Centers

High Point, NC & Las Vegas, NV — Executives from International Market Centers, L.P. (IMC), the world’s largest operator of premium home furnishings, gift and home décor showroom and exhibition space, announced the promotion of Paul Watson to Vice President of Design, IMC.

In his new position, Watson oversees the management and leasing for Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center, the 40-plus showroom venue that is open to both the public and the trade. Watson is also charged with growing IMC’s venues in High Point with design-centric and upper-end manufacturers.

According to Bob Maricich, CEO of IMC, “Watson has been instrumental in the growth of the Las Vegas Design Center for four years and assumes oversight at an opportune time. In 2011, LVDC signed leases with 11 new showrooms. Today, Las Vegas Design Center has achieved the highest occupancy levels in its history and has successfully repositioned itself as a regional design hub for both the A&D community as well as consumers. This is an exciting and synergistic time for the global design industry and our customers now have the benefit of cooperating venues on both coasts in order to maximize distribution channels,” he said.

“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to continue to strengthen IMC’s design communities on both coasts. LVDC is beginning to resonate with consumers who have discovered the value and benefits of shopping at the region’s largest and premier furnishings and design resource,” said Watson. “In High Point, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to develop our design-centric business. My goal is to bring the most compelling collection of upper end manufacturers.

According to Bob Maricich, CEO of IMC, “Watson has been instrumental in the growth of the Las Vegas Design Center for four years and assumes oversight at an opportune time. In 2011, LVDC signed leases with 11 new showrooms. Today, Las Vegas Design Center has achieved the highest occupancy levels in its history and has successfully repositioned itself as a regional design hub for both the A&D community as well as consumers. This is an exciting and synergistic time for the global design industry and our customers now have the benefit of cooperating venues on both coasts in order to maximize distribution channels,” he said.

“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to continue to strengthen IMC’s design communities on both coasts. LVDC is beginning to resonate with consumers who have discovered the value and benefits of shopping at the region’s largest and premier furnishings and design resource,” said Watson. “In High Point, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to develop our design-centric business. My goal is to bring the most compelling collection of upper end furniture and decorative resources to IMC buildings.”

Watson, who joined World Market Center Las Vegas in 2008 as director of leasing, has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry. He held executive leasing positions with a number of leading wholesale merchandise marts and design centers, including Pacific Design Center, Miromar Design Center and L.A.Mart. Recognizing the value of community partnership, Watson helped to create the “Decorative Arts District” in downtown Los Angeles in cooperation with the offices of the city and the mayor. Watson has been recognized and published in Metropolitan Home, Classic American Home, Palm Springs Life and Los Angeles Times. He has been featured on HGTV, Style Network, and Beverly Hills 90210 / Greystone Mansion Design Showcase.

Watson reports to Tom Mitchell, President of IMC’s Home Furnishings Division. “Paul joins a seasoned team of professionals in both cities who are experts in their respective areas,” Mitchell commented.

Watson succeeds Randy Wells, who has accepted a new opportunity within the home furnishings industry.

International Market Center’s portfolio consists of 11.5 million square feet in 18 showroom venues in High Point N.C. and Las Vegas. Through a series of transactions announced in May of 2011, all assets in the portfolio have been recapitalized with significant equity investments, providing for long-term stability and creating a growth platform for the industry. International Market Centers owns and operates the following facilities:

Building A, World Market Center Las Vegas
Building B, World Market Center Las Vegas
Building C, World Market Center Las Vegas
World Pavilions, World Market Center Las Vegas
International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC), High Point (comprised of the Hamilton, Green, Commerce, Wrenn, Design Center and Main Wings)
Historic Market Square, High Point
Market Square Tower, High Point
Suites at Market Square, High Point
Plaza Suites, High Point
Furniture Plaza, High Point
National Furniture Mart, High Point
Hamilton Market, High Point
300 South Main, High Point
Showplace, High Point
Showplace West, High Point
200 N. Hamilton, High Point
320 N. Hamilton, High Point
330 N. Hamilton, High Point

About International Market Centers, L.P.
International Market Centers, L.P. (IMC) is the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries. IMC owns and operates 11.5 million square feet of world-class exhibition space in High Point, N.C. and Las Vegas. In addition, IMC operates the Las Vegas Design Center, a year-round resource open to both the design trade and consumers which is comprised of more than 40 showrooms and hundreds of designer brands. IMC’s mission is to build and operate an innovative, sustainable, profitable and scalable platform for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries. For more information on IMC, visit imcenters.com.