Vegas Market Changes Name in Surprise Move

The Las Vegas Market will announce Monday it's changing it's name to the High Point International Home Furnishings Market of Las Vegas or 'HPIHFMLV.' Bob Maricich, Chief Executive of the Las Vegas Market, will announce the change at a press conference Monday afternoon. Maricich reached for comment Sunday said, "the name change represents the clarity, integration and leadership the fragmented industry has been seeking." Maricich, in an effort to squarely take on High Point, told Furniture Tomorrow, "not only are we pushing the date of the Vegas market closer to High Point but we're making the name closer too-- it's the kind of innovation our industry has come to expect."

Industry observers say despite the outreach to upscale manufacturers, Las Vegas market officials have expressed frustration in landing higher-end lines to the Vegas Market during the economic downturn. Maricich in response to such criticism is expected to announce at the press conference that the High Point International Home Furnishings Market of Las Vegas has secured new vendors like Bernheart, Henredahn, Marge Kasten and Stonley.

One retailer told Furniture Tomorrow the multiple market dates are necessary and the timing represents just how unified the industry is as it weathers the worst economic storm in decades. "We're buying a lot of new product right now and 4 markets a year is not only necessary, it's probably a little insufficient for an industry our size" said the owner of Bate's Furniture in Topeka, Kansas.

Maricich has assured all retailers, particularly those on the East Coast who typically attend High Point, that the High Point International Home Furnishings Market of Las Vegas will exceed their expectations and accommodations will be on par or better than High Point, "we have a block of rooms secured at the Imperial Palace for all the retailers who typically attend High Point" said Maricich with a smile, "they will feel at home." Room rates at the Imperial Palace are reserved for market participants at $499.00 per night with limited availability.