Apr 14, 2010

World Market Center Las Vegas Amasses New Exhibitors for Inaugural Gift+Home Market

Las Vegas — Gift and home décor buyers now have more reasons to attend the inaugural Gift+HomeTM at Las Vegas Market, slated for Aug. 2-6 at World Market Center Las Vegas. With more than 200 established accessory and gift showrooms, early commitments from 60-plus new resources, and additional exhibitors signing on each week, the stage is set for a successful launch of Gift+Home this summer.

For gift buyers, this means newly added product categories in Las Vegas including personal accessories, bath and body, stationery, general and inspirational gifts, as well as an expanded presentation of existing gift segments like seasonal décor. The launch of Gift+HomeTM in August will feature the broadest selection of gift and décor merchandise presented at World Market Center Las Vegas to date.

“The new Gift + Home show is a huge step forward for World Market Center Las Vegas realizing its vision of being a total home marketplace. We look forward to revitalizing the gift industry by presenting a show that consolidates the best gift resources for buyers regionally, nationally and internationally in a destination unsurpassed by any other,” said Robert Maricich, President and CEO of World Market Center Las Vegas.

An increasing list of new suppliers will debut for the first time and join a diverse selection of 200-plus accessory and gift exhibitors. New-to-market exhibitors include leading manufacturers Natural Life, Peking Handicraft and Melrose International as well as many others in a wide range of categories such as seasonal, floral, decorative accessories, general gift and more.

“With a modest uptick in the economy, more and more gift companies, both on the retail and supplier side, are diversifying their product mix and turning to Las Vegas as a venue that has cross-over appeal,” said Margaret Powers, Director of Specialty Tradeshow Leasing of World Market Center Las Vegas. “Las Vegas Market delivers a cross-section of unique retail buyers and designers internationally, from large home stores to independent gift shops, allowing suppliers to truly expand their channels of distribution and reach new accounts in Las Vegas,” said Powers.

“The Gift+Home show provides an exciting addition to the West Coast gift market,” said George Schuetz, president of Natural Life. “This forum gives Natural Life the opportunity to expand our reach and showcase our line of inspiring gift, home and fashion accessories, including more than 400 new products. We are confident buyers at this show will find Natural Life’s treasures along with our ‘Nook’ merchandising concept perfect for their customers, and ultimately their retail success.”

Gift+Home will comprise more than 100,000 sq. feet of exhibit space on the 5th floor of Building C and will join the more than 1,500 exhibitors at the Summer Las Vegas Market. Holding both events simultaneously will generate an added value to exhibitors and buyers, allowing for vast crossover potential among the existing industry sectors.

“We are eager to welcome so many ‘first-time’ exhibitors to Las Vegas, including some of the most innovative companies in the gift industry,” added Powers. “Aside from the showcasing many of the gift industry’s leading manufacturers, buyers will be thrilled with Las Vegas Markets’ permanent showrooms and bountiful new product selection, much of which can only be seen in Las Vegas.”