RUG EXHIBITORS WILL PARTICPATE IN NEW
WORLD MARKET CENTER IN LAS VEGAS
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Phase One of the World Market Center is nearing completion in Las Vegas. photo courtesy of Abbyson
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By Lissa Wyman
LAS VEGAS - Rugs will be a part of the home furnishings mix when The Las Vegas World Market Center opens for its first wholesale market July 25 to 29, 2005.
The debut event will encompass nearly 2.5 million square feet of permanent and temporary exhibition space including 230 permanent tenants. Hundreds of temporary exhibitors will show in 400,000 sq. ft. of pavilions on the site of the WMC complex.
The exhibits will include furniture, accessories, lighting, futons, bedding and rugs.
So far, rugs are a small part of the merchandise mix at the Las Vegas World Market Center. But that is about the change, Babs Blair, director of leasing, told rugnews.com. "Until now, our leasing team has concentrated most of its energy on the furniture and accessories markets. As we enter the next building phase, we will concentrate more on the rug and floor covering industries," she said.
Rug vendors who will be showing this Summer in permanent showrooms include:
|
Exhibitor |
space |
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Abbyson |
133 |
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Capel, Inc. |
408 |
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Dalyn Rug Corp. |
814 |
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Fun Rugs/General |
930-1 |
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Jerry Aziz Oriental Rugs |
129 |
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Masterlooms, Inc. |
129 |
|
Peel & Co. |
147 |
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Safavieh |
107 |
Safavieh was one of the first rug vendors to sign on to the World Market Center. "This is a concept that fits our business plan very well," said Arash Yaraghi, a Safavieh principal. "We wanted to take advantage of getting in at the beginning so we could get the best possible space. At the first floor entrance area, we think 101 is the best spot in the building."
Capel will open its permanent showroom in May, according to A. Leon Capel, Jr., executive director. The move represents an expansion of its existing exhibition space.
"Having visited the new World Market Center last week, we came away extremely impressed with the site, the building and construction. For us, the building will be a great asset to those home furnishing enthusiasts who, for whatever reason, cannot visit markets on the East coast. The showroom will be open year round for business for all Capel customers and prospective new clients."
Capel's showroom is over 4,000 sq. ft. and will feature the entire line with an emphasis on exclusive contemporary rugs developed with Western themes in mind, according to Capel.
Capel added that the company will continue to show in Atlanta, High Point, New York and Surfaces.
"The building is absolutely magnificent, and we are proud to be a part of it," said Yavar Rafieha, vice president of sales and marketing for Abbyson, an importer based in Chatsworth, CA. "Abbyson is a fresh, young, dynamic company and we could not pass up the chance to be involved in this phenomenon.€VbCrLf
There will be plenty of Las Vegas Bling! at the Abbyson showroom, Rafieha promised. "Abbyson is allocating tremendouse resources for design, merchandising, and everything else that goes into making a spectacular showroom.Our showroom will have hardwood flooring, marble entrance, waterfall, never-before-seen ceiling racks, and chandeliers imported from France."
The rug industry already participates in several market venues. Many rug vendors show at as many as seven major markets a year: AmericasMart Atlanta, Surfaces in Las Vegas, High Point, NC and the New York Home Textiles Market. In addition, many also participate in Domotex, Buying Group conventions and regional shows.
Despite the already grueling market pace, many rug executives are also eyeing the new Las Vegas project.
Nourison has been considering leasing a permanent showroom at WMC, but has not yet made a final decision, according to Alex Peykar, president.
"Atlanta Market will always be the most important venue for the rug business," he emphasized "However, we must also consider participating in other shows, as well. It is our duty to be at the events our customers attend. We are seriously considering the Las Vegas Market Center," he told rugnews.com
The first phase of the mega WMC project contains 1.3 million sq. ft. of exhibit space with a $200 million price tag. Phase Two, which includes 1.5 million square feet, will open in January 2007. When the entire complex is competed, the LVMC will encompass 7.5 million square feet of permanent exhibit space at a cost of nearly $1 billion. Building management noted it will be the most comprehensive home furnishings showroomand convention complex in the West.
When completed, the complex will house wholesale showrooms containing products for both the mid-market and high end design center clientele.
The World Market Center is located on a 57-acre site near downtown Las Vegas. It is five miles from the Las Vegas Strip and eight miles from McCarran airport.
This Summer, the World Market Center's semi-annual July/January market cycle will begin.