Oct 11, 2007

New Product Introductions Inspire Retailers at the Fall 2007 Gift & Home Furnishings Market(tm) At the L.A. Mart

LA – The Fall 2007 Gift & Home Furnishings Market(tm) at the L.A. Mart stirred up retailers’ product mixes for the upcoming holiday season with an exciting array of unique new products and complete new product lines. Showrooms were full of activity familiarizing buyers with these hot trends and new lines, many “made-in-America.” More buyer amenities, including Afternoon Refreshments in the Lobby and the return of the ever-popular Infinity Day Spa kept buyers energized throughout the busy shopping days.

“We are thrilled with the success of the Fall Gift & Home Furnishings Market at the L.A. Mart,” said Michael Kessler, vice president and general manager, L.A. Mart. “The lineup of new products, especially during this Fall Market, ensured busy showrooms with retailers delighted by the resources they found.”

Showroom News:

Amscan/Grasslands Road, Suite 907

Introduced Everyday Life, a catalog that features the perfect mix of on trend gifts and home decor for men and women. The eclectic, Lexington Loft Collection features 20 upscale home office, home decor and gift items while Everything’s Relative features 12 relationship-driven home decor and gift products. Miracles, a signature inspirational collection, is available to ship this year.

Cory Baehr Imports, Suite 568

Introduced L’Artisan Chocolat, the award-winning chocolate line made in the U.S. Cory Baehr is the exclusive representative in the ten western states. Also introduced, was the Cienbox from Mari Belle, containing 100 pieces of delectable chocolates.

Eastern Accents, Suite 548

“Placing Custom Orders” special event, Sept. 17, 10 a.m.

Eastern Accents packed their showroom with guests there to hear from custom specialist, Sandrine Artz. Sandrine offered ways to create the ideal custom product, from creating curtain panels, bedding, decorative pillows, and more. Eastern Accents Custom Workroom program allows selections from hundreds of gorgeous fabrics and trimmings.

Fine Lines Company, Suite 449

Introduced Deglingos, a unique and delightful group of plush animals made from an array of printed and textured textiles. Fine Lines is the exclusive representative in CA, AZ, NV, NM, UT, WY and HI.

Fiorentina, Suite 371

Just re-launched their website www.fiorentinaltd.com , offering a far greater selection than the current catalog. There is a new, very user-friendly section called “catalogs” which can be easily downloaded as PDFs. Buyers raved about this new time saver.

Joanne & Company, Suite 340

Introduced Norma Rapko, a line of hand-painted frames made in America. Also making their L.A. Mart debut, Piccolo Bambino, which features organic layette sets. Joanne & Company is the exclusive representative in CA, AZ, NV, NM and HI.

Lindman, H. Leighton, Inc., Suite 770

New to the L.A. Mart and southern California, is Macbeth, a line of stationery and giftware, baskets, clipboards and vases, made of tin; each item can be personalized from a selection of about 70 patterns. Also making its first appearance was Sanford Design, a line of woven afghans in a variety of materials from cotton to cashmere. Made in the U.S.

My House, Suite 365, 312A

My House staged its Rug Market Designer Show, displaying all of this new product line’s beautiful and varied selections of floor coverings.

Rosalie & Friends, Inc., Suite 750

Brand new to the L.A. Mart at Rosalie & Friends, a fabulous line: Squire Boone Village / Earth Exploration Co.

Showroom 504 / Cina Hodges, Suite 504

Introduced Crystal Temptations, a line of boxed candy, made in the U.S and never before available on the west coast. Crystal Temptations specializes in holiday themed boxes, all of which are artfully hinged and decorated. Valentine’s Day debuted at Fall Market.

The Rancho Park Collection, Suite 700

Introduced Penzo, a line of hand-painted ceramic art and dishware made in South Africa. Two collections, both with unique yet different looks make their debut in Rancho Park, including the Private collection. Penzo is represented by Rancho Park in CA, AZ, and NV. Rancho Park also introduced Tutto Mio, a line of hand-painted ceramic art and dishware, made in Italy.

For more information on the Gift & Home Furnishings Market at the L.A. Mart, please visit lamart.com or call 800.LAMART4.

SAVE THE DATE:

January 2008

Tuesday, Jan. 15 – Monday, Jan 21

With Temporaries Friday, Jan. 18 – Monday Jan 21

Spring 2008

Sunday, March 16 – Tuesday, March 18

July 2008

Tuesday, July 15 – Monday, July 21

With Temporaries Friday, July 18 – Monday, July 21

Fall 2008

Sunday, Sept 14 – Tuesday, Sept. 16

The L.A. Mart is a registered trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI). The Gift & Home Furnishings Market(tm) is a trademark of MMPI.

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year. MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 W. Mart Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.

Vornado Realty Trust, owner of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.