Tunica, MS Furniture Show To Debut January 8th

Furniture World News Desk on 12/26/2013

The first Tunica Furniture Market will take place at venues across Tunica, Miss. Jan. 8-9, 2014. Approximately 60,000 square feet of space will be utilized to display furniture that will be available for purchase by retailers across the U.S.

The more than 40 exhibitors will be at the show and will include Serta Mattresses, Steve Silver Company, Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company, Powell Company, Prime Designs Upholstery and Fusion Furnitures, Inc. The variety of attending companies will allow for a wide range of purchasing prices, from economy to higher end.

The furniture market will be attended by manufacturers, manufacturers’ representatives, and retail furniture store owners and buyers. The show is intended for wholesale orders, so there will not be sales made to the public.

Tunica Furniture Market participants will exhibit at a number of locations throughout the Tunica Resorts area. Convention space will be utilized at the event spaces at Gold Strike Casino Resort and Harrah’s Tunica. Shuttle service will be offered between show locations.

The show was created by Tunica Furniture Market producer Scott Morton. Morton is a manufacturer’s representative who saw an opportunity to meet a need in the furniture industry. Tunica made it easy for him to fulfill that need, especially for a large event.

“I was looking for a town where there are a lot of things to do after the show and places for attendees to dine,” said Morton. “Tunica can handle our capacity, provides great accommodations and entertainment options, is close to a major airport and is a great value. It’s also a town that welcomes you and tells you ‘good luck.’”

The event has the potential to make a major economic impact on Tunica County and Mississippi’s economy. With attendees coming from Texas, Virginia, Florida and 14 other states, plus representation from international companies, the event has the foundation to grow in coming years.

“Having another successful furniture show in North Mississippi makes a statement that the state is a serious player in the furniture industry,” said Morton.

Morton scheduled the event early in the year to capitalize on tax season and to be one of the first furniture shows of the year.

“Tax season is crucial to the furniture business at the retail level,” said Morton. “We wanted to help our buyers, so the timing allows retailers to order and receive furniture/accessories in time to have them on the showroom floors by the beginning of the lucrative tax season. They do most of their sales during the first quarter.”

Bill Canter, the Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau’s director of marketing and sales, was a major partner in assisting Morton with planning. Canter helped him decide how many square feet he could utilize and introduced him to contacts.

“We’ve been working together for 16 months to pull the event off,” said Canter. “Many of our groups were unfamiliar with Tunica at first, so we took baby steps in securing transportation, then space, then reception details. We’re here to make things easier and help our groups save money.”

Canter said making Tunica the location of the show’s first event will give the town an opportunity to show its expertise with new, progressive group events and ideas.

“Scott has been working hard to give buyers and representatives a wide selection of what they want and have an enjoyable event,” Canter said.

For the 2015 show, dates have already been reserved for the same week.

“I think big, so I have bigger plans for Tunica in the future,” said Morton.

For more information about the event, visit TunicaFurnitureMarket.com.

About Tunica: Located 30 minutes south of Memphis, Tunica is The South’s Casino Capital. “Live It Up Just Down the Road” and enjoy nine world-class casinos, 6,000 luxurious hotel rooms, fine-dining restaurants and buffets, headline entertainers, championship golf and tennis, award-winning museums, lavish spas and outlet/antique shopping. Call 1-888-4TUNICA to request a value-packed Winner’s Guide, or visit TunicaTravel.com for travel information.