Wither Lifestyle's new mini-market?
Editor's Desk column
Ray Allegrezza -- Furniture Today, January 23, 2006
Back in November, when we broke the story that Lifestyle Enterprise was planning to host its own High Point show in January, it stood alone. But not for long. The list of exhibitors grew to some 60 companies by the Jan. 16 opening day.
Earlier, I wondered if this show could take the place of what most agree is a shrinking High Point premarket. After spending time at the show, I believe it can and probably will.It had all the essential ingredients — enough new product to make it interesting, enough key buyers to make it profitable, timing that allows for fine tuning no matter where the furniture is made — and virtually none of the usual show hassles.Lifestyle did a tremendous job getting key accounts into town, picking up airfare and hotel bills for many retailers. But others, including Steve Rotman of Rotmans Furniture, were lured here by the agenda, not the amenities. He came, he saw and he bought.Steve, like just about everyone in town, applauded the initiative, the vision and the values that Lifestyle put forth to get this thing off the ground. He also liked reaping the benefits of market without the crowds, congestion and chaos.And retailers weren’t the only ones giving Lifestyle a verbal pat on the back. Competitors like Wyatt Bassett, executive vice president of Vaughan-Bassett, were equally complimentary. “Lifestyle took the lead on this one and we were happy to follow,” he said.Vaughan-Bassett said it had hosted more buyers by lunchtime on Monday, the mini-market’s first day, than it usually does during an entire premarket.Glen Wakefield, president of Largo, said that by early afternoon of the first day, 30 retailers had visited his showroom. Even more amazing was that one-third of those retailers hadn’t shopped Largo before. Before the dust settled, Glen saw more than 60 customers.Don’t be surprised if Lifestyle hosts another show this summer. If they do, you can count on more companies joining in. Shows, like water, seek their own level. I have a feeling the tide is about to come in.Tell me what you think by dropping me an e-mail at rallegrezza@ reedbusiness.com.
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Wither Lifestyle's new mini-market?
Feb 5, 2006
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