San Francisco Mart Changes To 4-Day Market

Furniture World Magazine

The San Francisco Mart is changing its future Market days to Friday through Monday, resulting in a four-day Market. The decision comes after conferring with its Board of Governors and staff on Market attendance patterns. "The change in Market dates is something we have considered for a number of years," says Michael Gennet, president of the San Francisco Mart. "Despite a concerted effort to attract meaningful buyers to the last day of Market, traffic on Tuesdays has never met our expectations." As a result, Gennet adds, some showrooms have closed early or not opened at all – making the Tuesday of Market even harder to promote. Tenant response is very favorable. "This was an obvious decision from our point of view but it probably wasn't that easy from the Mart’s," says Ken Levi, national sales manager for Martin Furniture. "I think this decision demonstrates the Mart’s confidence in the SF Market and their commitment to the tenants." "It’s absolutely the right thing to do," comments Sean McFadden, national sales manager for Interlude Home. "Our productivity on Tuesday really drops off – it’s mostly customers confirming or changing orders written on Friday & Saturday – so it’ll be a big cost-savings for us." The four-day schedule coincides with show dates at the SF Design Center, which is supportive of the Mart’s decision. The dates are also concurrent with temporary shows at the Concourse and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (BGCA), the latter of which is operated by the Mart. Because the Mart’s BGCA exhibit, which debuted during Summer Market 2000, spans four days, the timing just seemed right to implement the change, Gennet says. "Changing the Mart’s schedule to a four-day Market standardizes all San Francisco dates, creating a synergy that eliminates confusion and focuses everyone’s efforts on a better, more concentrated show," says Gennet. "It makes San Francisco a very exciting furniture market." Summer Market 2001 dates will change to July 20–23. Incoming merchandise shipments for manufacturers and hotel room blocks for manufacturers and buyers will not be affected. The SFM’s semiannual furniture markets are open to buyers, members of the home furnishings industry, the design trade and members of the press. All Markets are held at the San Francisco Mart, 1355 Market Street, in San Francisco. Admission is free and doors open at 8 a.m. For more information, call (415) 552-2311.