Jul 27, 2018

LA MART increases buyer attendance during The Greatest Trade Show on Earth

As you entered the LA Mart for its Summer Market, one could not help but notice that the building was quite busy even before being amazed by the beautiful décor reflecting their circus motif entitledThe Greatest Trade Show on Earth.  The lobby paid homage to the theme with a 20-foot-high and 40-foot-long draped big top adorned with red, white and gold swaging.  Complimenting accessories included silhouettes of trapeze artists, ceramic and topiary circus elephants, giraffes, and tigers plus a staff dressed in vintage clown tee’s branding the event and LA Mart’s 60^th anniversary.

A three-ring circus display contained a vintage 4-foot-tall brown stuffed circus bear, giant porcelain circus tigers, gorillas on dinnerware, as well as many more circus related items all provided by the LA Mart showrooms.  This entire 20 square foot display was filled with circus popcorn and brightly colored polka dot balloons that were the perfect complement to complete the circus look.  The entire transformation of the lobby as a ‘circus tent in wonderland’ created a sensory blast for attendees and stimulated even the most sedate.  “Energy was palpable when you walked in the building,” commented Jesus Limon, Showroom Manger, Two’s Company.  “Activity was everywhere and the buyers were thrilled with the lobby transformation!  I am sure this was in part, a direct correlation to the fact that Two’s Company had an outstanding Summer Market.”

TEMPS ON 2

LA Mart’s circus theme continued with TEMPS ON 2 on the 2^nd floor.  When buyers stepped off the elevators they were greeted with another big–top circus tent, popcorn and ice cream servers all topped off with greeters dressed in red and white stripped vests, and straw hats depicting a carnival barker at its best.   The crowds were brisk at this sophomore appearance of TEMPS ON 2, LA Mart’s state of the art temporaries floor with hundreds of lines and exhibitors.  Having expanded since its introduction this past January, TEMPS ON 2, was bright, lively and full of one-of-a-kind items that a buyer will not find in any other market.   “We are pleased to be growing TEMPS ON 2,” states Frank Joens, Senior Vice President, General Manager, LA Mart.  The exhibitor floor is accelerating at a very steady rate, is visually pleasing and the buyer-friendly layout is a breeze to navigate.”  “We had a terrific temps show,” exclaimed Steven Brouk of Brouk and Co.  “Sales were brisk and we will definitely return in January for the Winter TEMPS ON 2!”

Cash and Carry returns to Los Angeles at LA MART January 2019

Debuting in January 2019, a cash and carry element with international products, vintage items, jewelry and much more will occupy some 15,000 square feet of the newly created first-floor exhibit hall at the LA Mart.  “LA has always been known for outstanding cash and carry LA Mart will expand and enhance that tradition with an upscale setting and a trendy yet diverse exhibitor mix,” continues Joens.

LA Mart Showrooms

Permanent showrooms were jammed with buyers, some having to schedule appointments to return later in the day to see a sales rep. “The hum and excitement in the building is fantastic. We have been very busy this entire Summer Market,” exclaims Lynn Mitchell of LMG showroom.   “There seemed to be a great number of buyers that we have not seen here before and the discovery of these new shoppers has definitely helped us with opening many new accounts.”  “Traffic is terrific,” adds Joens. “We broke attendance records with buyer numbers that we have not seen here for many years!”

Seminars Return to LA Mart Summer Market

Buyers were given the opportunity to attend two educational seminars.  The first, How to Create the Holiday Experience in Your Retail Environment, was led by renowned celebrity tree stylist Dr. Christmas, whose high-profile customers include Beyonce’, Steven Spielberg, Brooke Shields and many more. The second seminar was led by Social Media Expert Lindsay Mauch simply entitled, How to Use Facebook and Instagram to Grow your Business.  “These seminars were wonderful,” reported buyer Brian Sheffield Hunt of The Artful Footman.  “I learned so much that I will definitely be able to use to help create success in my new business.”

LA Mart’s Summer Market

The overall high-energy experience was enhanced by fortune tellers, circus popcorn vendors, old-fashioned ice cream carts, bearded ladies, carnival barkers, and plenty of cheerful clowns. In addition, two French and American wine tasting events happened on Thursday and Friday evenings as well as complimentary adult beverages served throughout the day.   The theme was topped off by‘Circus Gala’ a Saturday night market party that included, vodka snow cones, delicious hot dogs and pretzels. Circus games were also a part of the party with ring toss, frogger bop, and football throw, all designer to let the buyer participated in a child-like environment after a long day of shopping.

“My experience buying at this show was so wonderful,” remarked Susan Munroe, Buyer, at Roger’s Gardens. “The whole day was spectacular!! The theme of the show and the décor was great and everyone was so very accommodating and friendly. It was first class service!”