January Dallas Total Home & Gift Market delivers record number of new attendees

The January edition of the Total Home & Gift Market at Dallas Market Center, Jan. 8-14, welcomed more new attendees and steady order writing, according to the market center. Despite challenging winter weather conditions early in the show, the first market of the year not only reinforced Dallas’s reputation as a fast-growing buying destination but also highlighted the community spirit within the industry. “There was a strong turnout and enthusiasm at Total Home and Gift Market,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Attendance rebounded following unexpected weather and we welcomed a record number of new attendees to the marketplace. We also carried that momentum forward into shows held later in the month as gift and home retailers attended our other events such as our Apparel & Accessories Market.” The seven-day trade event welcomed thousands of single and multi-location retail, interior designers, buying groups and major stores. Markets held later in the month, including Apparel & Accessories Market and the western market, welcomed more buyers, and especially more new buyers, than in more than five years. Exhibitors noted the supportive traffic and order writing at the Total Home & Gift Market: “We missed a few customers due to the weather but had a great show. Our average order was up significantly compared to last year and most retailers are optimistic about the new year,” said Cliff Price, president of Cliff Price & Company. “Attendance was solid and our numbers were, too,” said Matthew Wilson, Dallas Showroom Manager, Paleck. “We saw buyers arriving as early as Monday and staying later than previous shows. Weather seemed not to be a deterrent for many buyers and our market business, plus our daily business, continues to be strong.” Among the newest showrooms at Dallas Market Center is Coco & Dash, a multi-line and open-daily destination for home décor. Teddie Garrigan, co-founder and creative director, said, “Dallas Market Center attracts engaged buyers and continues to set the stage for a dynamic and productive year.” Added Courtney Garrigan, co-founder and president: “Our first January market was filled with excitement and enthusiasm,” “Steady traffic and impressive buyer engagement allowed us to connect with passionate retailers and designers, reinforcing Dallas Market Center as the premier marketplace for meaningful conversations and lasting connections.”

The TEMPS at Total Home & Gift

The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market, which ran from Jan. 8-11, welcomed hundreds of new and returning exhibitors, with thirty-five percent of its exhibitors being new to Dallas. “Dallas is always a great market for us! We always pick up many great, new accounts and have loved seeing and working our existing customers,” Said Stacey Reid of TINte Cosmetics. “I feel the momentum will continue to build and bring new customers, exhibitors, and brands to Dallas.

New and expanded showrooms

There were several additions and expansions that debuted at the January show. In the World Trade Center, Vivian Watson Associates (WTC 6694) debuted, presenting hardware and furniture; Anne McGilvray (WTC 270) expanded; Giftcraft moved from the Trade Mart into WTC 333; and expansions took place for American Best (WTC 452), Melrose/Ekkolight Infinity Lights (WTC 305-1), Zaer (WTC 394), Oriental Trimmings (WTC 6694), and Pasha Furniture (WTC 680). Relocating brands included Ashore (WTC 521) and Boston Mills (WTC 6690). In the Trade Mart, leading multi-line gift agency Patrick & Co. (TM 2927/2727/2741) underwent a major expansion, adding more than a dozen new brands. Olivia Riegel (TM 2618) relocated and expanded, while the market center welcomed new showrooms, including Christian Art Gifts (TM 1400), wrapping and ribbon from Laribbons and Crafts (TM 2634), and lifestyle brand Laura Park Designs/Prince of Scots (TM 1420). In the Interior Home & Design Center building, the Textile Salon (IHDC 2F215) debuted as a first for Dallas Market Center, offering a shared space for fine fabrics and trim, window and floor coverings, wallpaper, and decorative hardware. Inaugural tenants included Kravet (IHDC 2F215-FG10), H&M Designs Presenting Graber Window Treatments (IHDC 2F215-FG6), and Dallas Rugs (IHDC 2F215-FG5), with additional exhibitors to follow. The space also features a design workspace and seminar/meeting area and hosted events during the Total Home & Gift Market. Also debuting in the IHDC was Coco & Dash To The Trade, a multi-line showroom offering art, mirrors, pillows, lampshades, lighting, textiles, beds, bedding, lifestyle items, antiques, and interior design services. Located in IHDC 1D106, the showroom showcased Coco & Dash Heritage, Fete Home, Fleur Home, Jill Seale Design Studio, Matouk, Ornis Gallery, Pooky Lighting, Reprotique, R. Lusk Studios, Savoy House, and Trey Hoffmann Art. Showroom partners also included Thibaut, F. Schumacher & Co., Fermoie, Cowtan & Tout, and Custom Workroom Services. The Gallery (IHDC ID202), a shared space of design resources on the first floor, welcomed natural stone designs from Marble Crafter (IHDC GL22), innovative doors from Trendy Doors (IHDC GL112), and contemporary designs in frameless, changeable, or floating acrylic picture frames from Wexel Art (IHDC GL24). Inside the Surya showroom (IHDC 1D321), Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams debuted. Known for its sustainably crafted, American-made upholstery and limitless customization, the iconic furnishings collection returned —stronger than ever and available exclusively to the trade. Other arrivals in the IHDC included ArtVia Design (IHDC 2F433), a new location for Crestview Collection (IHDC 2F101), previously housed in the World Trade Center, and an expansion from Porch View Home (IHDC).

Events highlights

The events schedule for Total Home & Gift Market was packed full of influencers, icons, experts and inspiring content. Educational series included: Speaking of Retail: A Collective of Conversations was held over three days, covering topics including navigating family dynamics, visual merchandising, and making the journey from design and brick and mortar. Cocktail Chats included Winning Retail Strategies with Former Retailer Excellence Award Finalists presented by Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine and non-profit Heart on Main Street partnered with The Gerson Companies to present a session on AI 101 for Independent Retailers. Fireside Chats were held with ARTS Awards Finalists for Product Design, moderated by ART Executive Director Sharon Davis, and finalists for Interior Design, moderated by trend expert Patti Carpenter.

35th ARTS Awards

Dallas Market Center and ART, the creative home furnishings network, held the 35th ARTS Awards on Jan. 10, at the Hilton Anatole hotel, hosted by Thom Filicia and Carson Kressley. The ARTS Awards are the premier international awards program dedicated to home industry excellence and achievement. The ARTS Awards included category awards as well as a special Academy of Achievement honor for Andy Singer, founder and CEO of Visual Comfort; the Trailblazer award to Lois Del Negro, co-founder of Global Views; and a special HEARTS Award presented to The H Foundation honoring their annual cancer fundraising event, Goombay Bash. The next Total Home & Gift Market will run March 25-28 and runs concurrently with Apparel & Accessories Market and KidsWorld. For more information, including hours and events, visit Dallas Market Center.