The World Market Center confirmed what most attendees were saying at the Las Vegas Market during the second day of the show yesterday: Attendance was up compared to last year’s show.
WMC reported that buyer attendance grew 7 percent while designer attendance rose more than 4 percent over last year, as vendors and retailers ramp up for a newfound confidence in the economy and a predicted housing-sales boost.
Among the new showrooms was a return for Thomasville after a three-year absence, plus a brand-new presence for sister company Drexel Heritage. Each Furniture Brands company exhibited new products in 5,000 square-foot galleries.
Among the expanded home decor and gift offerings, Artisan House debuted pieces from its newest designer, Angela Alvarez, which incorporate such metals as brass, copper and stainless steel. “It brings a new look to Artisan House,” Alvarez told HFN.
Feizy, which celebrated its 40th year in business with a 1940s-themed party last night, unveiled such introductions as jute designs in bright colors from designer Tracy Porter and Cetara, a new petit hook line of wool that has a flatweave look without being a flatwoven rug.
Twin-Star grew its presence in the television console category with units to accommodate new, huge flat-screen TVs. The company also introduced the Dakota Furniture collection, designed to allow for customization by adding an electric fireplace, wine cabinets and a beverage center.
Leggett & Platt showed aesthetic upgrades along with new features for its adjustable beds.
In its new showroom, Rizzy Home debuted Opus, a new wool group with 25 designs based on tile and geometric patterns, and Technique, a loomed line of solid colors using handcarving for pattern, among other introductions.