Major U.S. Retailers, International Buyers and New Exhibitors Highlight Summer Las Vegas Market

• Buying power at the Summer '12 Market was up over the last three summer shows
• International attendance strong from Canada, Mexico and Latin America
• 124 percent increase in first-time mattress buyers attending Las Vegas Market
• 265,000 square feet of permanent showroom space leased since start of year, plus more than 75 furnishings lines debuted in B-2 Temporaries

LAS VEGAS, NV – The Summer 2012 Las Vegas Market delivered an energized show and attracted thousands of upbeat home furnishings buyers-many of whom were there for the first time-from around the United States and abroad. Las Vegas' Summer Market, July 30-Aug. 3, was highlighted by buying power among retailers who were ready to do business, as well as incredible momentum among new exhibitors including a vibrant temporaries section, the debut of a high-end home décor showcase in Building B, and the signing of 43 new showroom leases since the start of the year totaling approximately 265,000 square feet of space-adding to the diversified merchandise mix that buyers can find at Las Vegas Market.

Buyers and suppliers alike applauded news of the bold re-merchandising plans announced by International Market Centers (IMC), the parent company of Las Vegas Market, designed to firmly position Las Vegas Market as the most comprehensive buying platform in the western United States. Beginning with the Winter 2013 Las Vegas Market, IMC will concentrate complementary resources throughout the 5 million square-foot campus and begin a strategic evolution for the marketplace that will afford buyers and sellers new opportunities in the furnishings, gift and home décor channels.

“At the start of the year, Las Vegas opened the doors to its strongest market in three years and set the tone for a positive 2012. While total traffic at August show was lighter, as at other summer markets, individual store attendance was up from prior summer shows. Furthermore, the retailers who came were serious about buying,” said Robert Maricich, chief executive officer of IMC. “It’s very encouraging to see the number of individual buying units continue to grow especially given the summer slow down at retail. The trajectory at Las Vegas Market continues to trend upward.”

Las Vegas Market officials reported a modest increase in retail store attendance over last year, and an 8 percent increase over two years ago. Furthermore, leading furniture manufacturers reported growth in year-on-year sales volume despite current macro economic trends.

For more information visi www.lasvegasmarket.com.