WMC signs Ashley, WHFA
Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, January 26, 2004
LAS VEGAS — Ashley will have a 20,000-square-foot showroom in the World Market Center here, a coup for the market's developers, who will squeeze in the major manufacturer despite being fully leased in the first phase.
Also, the Western Home Furnishings Assn. said it will lease 8,000 square feet in the WMC for a "technologically advanced" retail resource center, using the space for seminars and events, and to showcase suppliers to its members and other marketgoers.
Ashley's space will be on the sixth floor of the planned 10-level building.
The No. 3 U.S. furniture maker has been studying the market for some time, and even considered opening its own showroom building here, said Chairman Ron Wanek. Ashley wanted 40,000 square feet, but he seemed pleased to get the smaller space. Room was made in part by consolidating a machinery and utilities area.
Asked if Ashley will look to expand as the WMC grows, Wanek said, "We'll see how the market goes. We've heard a lot of interest (in Las Vegas) from buyers."
Ashley has a 30,000-square-foot showroom in the San Francisco Mart. "We'll be there for a couple more years for sure — maybe beyond that," Wanek said. "It's possible we'll stay in both."
WMC officials say the first phase now is fully leased, with 227 signed tenants. Other majors include Lane, Broyhill, Klaussner, Fashion Bed Group, Pulaski, Flexsteel, Simmons and Serta.
WHFA Executive Director Sharron Bradley said, "We intend to be where we can serve our members best." Like Ashley, the trade group doesn't plan to leave the SFM, where it has a 6,000-square-foot resource center.
