Optimism abounds

From the brightly colored home furnishings to the crowded showrooms and parking garage and on down to the smiles on people's faces, a sense of optimism permeated the recently completed Las Vegas Market at World Market Center.

"It was the first sign of broad-based optimism that we've seen in the home-furnishings industry," said Robert Maricich, president and CEO of World Market Center Las Vegas. "They entered the market optimistic and left the market optimistic."

Maricich said the optimism has been across the board, hitting the furniture, gift, home accents and floor coverings segments. Additionally, retailers have reported an uptick in sales during the past 60 to 90 days.

"I believe that industries are so lean because of this recession that any sort of uptick bodes well for anyone in the manufacturing chain."

The result was a greater number of purchases from the manufacturers' showrooms.

"Buyers are coming in happy; they're in good moods," said Gregory Waylock, president of Bailey Street, a Texas-based manufacturer of occasional furniture.

While previous markets have seen fewer buyers and those specifically looking for closeouts and bargains, this past week saw more people visiting his showroom in Building A and they came to see what was new.

Although World Market Center doesn't release exact attendance figures, market officials said the number of home furnishings professionals visiting the downtown facility was equal to that from February 2009. "We think that's a big win," Maricich said, especially when considering the number of casualties in the industry and that companies are sending fewer representatives than in years past.

"There is a nice buzz going on here," said Jason Phillips, vice president and creative director for The Phillips Collection. "I sense a very hopeful attitude.

"We've been swarmed with dealers from all over," said Ron Wanek, chairman of Ashley Furniture, the largest furniture manufacturer in North America. "The dealers are coming in upbeat and we're writing good business. We think 2010 should be a pretty good year."

A rainbow of colors filled the showrooms' windows and display floors, helping boost the spirits of the home-furnishings professionals.

"We see color as mandatory when it comes to uplifting the mood of consumers, and our retailers seem very optimistic," said Stefanie Lucas, president and CEO of Rowe Fine Furniture.

Turquoise, Pantone's color of the year, and orange were among the most prevalent tones. They could be found in textiles, rugs and lampshades. Lexington Home Brands even debuted its Opal accent chair in a turquoise mock crocodile upholstery.

Also seen throughout the showrooms were assorted shades of purple.

"People are tired of being down and the recession. These are happy bright colors that make you smile," said Dolores Brown, a sales representative with A & B Home.

The burst of colors, as well as a greater number of furnishings with clean simple lines reflects the mood of Americans after months of a depressed economy, said Grant Ohman, partner and director of sales for 18 Karat, which is based in British Colombia, Canada.

"The younger generation, especially, wants minimalism and an uncluttered look."

He also sees a resurgence of stark white furnishings and accents, as they, too, represent a clean and fresh start.

Otherwise, home furnishings and fashions continue to take their design cues from nature. Natural materials and nature-inspired designs were present in nearly all areas of home décor. Among the more unusual applications were a veneer used by AF Lighting to create a lampshade and mosaics of petrified wood that were transformed into a lamp base and end table by Palacek.

Sustainable resources also figured prominently in the showrooms. One of the world's most renewable resources, bamboo, showed its versatility as it was used in area rugs, textiles and furnishings.

The market kicked off a day earlier than usual, with its first EcoCongress, a day devoted to sustainability. It also expanded its educational and informational sessions, with 157 special events for businesses and designers to offer practical solutions for doing business and to keep up to date on trends.

"We're very, very pleased with the results of the market and I'm not aware of anything we would have done differently. Virtually, we're happy across the board," Maricich said.

He added that the success of the trade show also helps set the bar for the summer event, which is scheduled for Aug. 2-6. That event will see the debut of two specific efforts for targeted markets: Vegas Kids, which is a freestanding show within a show and addresses the juvenile industry; and a gift and home show.

"We have a gift presence in the market -- a considerable one -- but we see a great opportunity in expanding that."

Maricich said the gift segment relates to elements of the home.

So far, initial reaction to both launches has been very positive.

"Early indications are that the August date has been very well received and we're going into that enthusiastic as well. Absent something we can't see in the economy, we look forward to just building on the strength and optimism that this market brought us."