The Las Vegas World Market Center has scheduled its first market dates for Jan. 18–21, 2005. The semiannual market will be held each January and July after that, with the 2005 dates for the summer running July 19–22.
The developers of the $1 billion project broke ground on the new center in March with over 200 guests in attendance. Phase One of the project is a 1.3– million–square–foot building that the World Market Center says is fully leased with over 200 tenants, including some big–hitters in the home furnishings industry such as Broyhill, Flexsteel, Klaussner, Lane, Pulaski and Vaughn.
Currently there are five bedding manufacturers who have signed with the Las Vegas market (see box), with at least one more “Big S” name expected to sign in the next few weeks.
The January/July schedule follows other regional home furnishings markets. “We have been polling members of the industry for 18 months, asking them their preferences for the dates of the Las Vegas market,” said Dave Palmer, general manager. “Tenants and retailers agree that the January/July period is ideal.”
Palmer said the debut of the market in 2005 would allow exhibitors time to build their showrooms to their own specifications. “Because these are permanent spaces, millions of dollars will go into tenant improvement to create a unique environment,” he said.
Phases Two and Three of the Las Vegas Market Center have been accelerated, with reservations now being taken. A 300,000–square–foot Trade Pavilion outside the
building will house the temporary market and other trade shows. Phase One will be a 10–story building that will house six floors of furniture and bedding showrooms, and two floors of decorative accessories and lighting.
