More than 60 exhibitors set for next week's Midwest Furniture Show

Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, August 28, 2012

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — More than 60 exhibitors will take part in the sixth annual Midwest Furniture Show here Sept. 6-7 at the Schaumburg Convention Center, with a number of newcomers joining longtime anchors of the show.

The 2012 lineup includes first-time exhibitors World Imports and Artisan Home, two companies that have opened warehouses in nearby Chicago in the past year, and other newbies who will show alongside returning companies that include HomeElegance, Aspenhome, Ashley and Englander, show organizers said.

"What is different about this year is that we have a number of first-time exhibitors who are bringing new energy and enthusiasm to the show," said Geoff Weed, one of the founders of the show.

"We sold out of our original space in record time, before some of our longtime exhibitors had the chance to re-up," he said, adding the show "went back and picked up more space. And in the last month, we had a bunch of people come to us at the last minute, so we opened up some more space. We've expanded three times since January."

The 64 exhibitors listed below represent companies that have already paid and provided plans for their spaces, he said, noting that 20 to 25 more exhibitors may come in before the show.

The event draws about 750 retailers, representing about 325 stores, according to Weed.

Mike Mackey, president of the Midwest Furniture Club, a chapter of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. and the show's organizer, credits the club's technology investment in keeping the show growing.

"A few years ago we made the investment in a great website for our members," he said. "Exhibitors can download forms and sign up for the show easily. And retailers and designers can pre-register on our site, www.midwestfurnitureclub.com. It's made a huge difference to us."

Besides furniture manufacturers and distributors, freight haulers and companies that offer retail services in finance, advertising, marketing, promotions, technology and websites also will be present.

"The show not only offers a great selection of home furnishings and accessories, but everything that a retailer needs to help grow his business," said Weed. "The show is a one-stop shop for marketing and growth ideas."

The show runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served each day and a cocktail hour will start at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.

Exhibitors this year include:

5 Star Mattress; Advanced Distribution; Archbold; Arcway; Artisan Home Furniture; Ashley Furniture; Ashley Sleep; Aspenhome; Bardini Collection; Bedding Group; BEMCO Bed; BenchCraft by Ashley; Beverly Hills; Bolton; Boyd Specialty Sleep; Brady; Brazil Furniture Group; Brill; Chromcraft; Clearview TV; Corsicana Bedding; Cramco; Cruises International; ESF Wholesale Furniture; EWF Imports; Englander; FlexPay Finance; Hidden Photo; HomElegance; IM David; J. Horn Furnishings; John Thomas; King Koil; Liberty Furniture; Lifeline; Ligo; MDA Rug; Magic Sleep; Mega Motion; Midwest Art and Frame; Milwaukee Delivery; Modus; Natuzzi; Pastel; Pulaski; Products Unlimited; Restonic; Rizzy Home; Rose Hill; Serta; Solstice Sleep; Southerland Bedding; Sunbelt Express; TH Rogers; Titanic Distributors; Tobias; Ultrashield; W Silver Products; Waterproof TV; Web4Retail; Wiseway Transportation; Woodbury; Woodcrest; World Imports.