Las Vegas sets winter 2009 market for Feb. 9-13

Tupelo Furniture Market may reconsider its dates

From Furniture Today -- Kids Today, 4/24/2008 9:32:00 AM

By Joan Gunin

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Market has scheduled its 2009 winter show for Feb. 9-13, which may put a squeeze on retailers and exhibitors choosing to participate in both the Las Vegas and Tupelo markets.

The Tupelo Furniture Market’s winter market is set for Feb. 19-22, but the new Vegas dates have Tupelo officials reevaluating its timing.

Las Vegas officials said the February time would better align with exhibitor business cycles, relieve industry show conflicts, and fall within a period when local hotel rates are more favorable.

“We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our customer base, and adjusting our market schedule is one way of doing that,” said Bob Maricich, president and CEO of the World Market Center.

Shortly after learning of the Las Vegas winter dates, Bill Cleveland, president of the Tupelo Furniture Market, said, “We just got the new information and we have to see what is best for all of our customers, both retailers and exhibitors. It is in the process of being discussed.”

The short time between the end of the Las Vegas Market and the start of the Tupelo show may not give people enough time to travel or set up showrooms, Cleveland said.

“We are constantly evaluating how we can serve our customers better,” he added. “Any time there is a new development we need to consult our customer base to evaluate how best we can serve them. We don’t want to do anything that will make life more difficult for our customers. We will have to review this from a customer standpoint.”

Las Vegas organizers said they chose the second week in February for the winter market after reviewing product introduction schedules, buyer and exhibitor commitments and international show dates. They said the shift to February will also eliminate an overlap with European show dates.