According to its organiser, International Market Centers (IMC), Winter Las Vegas Market 2013 exceeded expectations as the best-attended market in four consecutive years, driven by an influx of both new retailers and exhibiting lines – all against the backdrop of a number of strategic initiatives aimed at enriching the marketplace. IMC officials report impactful attendance gains amongst retailers across all categories – up 6% – as well as an increase among international buyers.
“This past Winter Market set new company records for an overwhelming number of manufacturers,” says Robert Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers, “and contributed to a renewed, positive outlook for the entire industry. I can truly say it was the best Las Vegas Market in my tenure of five years.” Robert attributes the optimism to the improving economy and referred to the upbeat attitude as a “force multiplier”.
“We’re getting a multiplication of better business, people playing to win and better buyer attendance,” he adds. “With the strength of this Las Vegas Market, recently-released positive national housing reports, and clear industry momentum, we feel this bodes very well for a strong Spring Market. What we saw at market is an encouraging indicator of what’s to come in 2013.”
US retail attendance was up 6% over a year ago, with thousands of buyers attending the winter show for the first time. International buyer attendance rose by 5% year-on-year, most notably with a 15% increase among buyers from Latin America and the Pacific Rim, respectively, as well as an 8% gain in Canadian buyers over a year ago.