Big News! Karel Exposition Management Announces First-Ever Houston Furniture And Accessory Market

Furniture World Magazine

In the midst of one of its biggest years ever, Karel Exposition Management (KEM), has announced it will be adding a brand new show in the BIG state of Texas.  The Houston Furniture and Accessory Market is scheduled for May 22, 23 and 24, 2005 in the Reliant Center at Houston’s Reliant Park, one of the largest event venue sites in the world. “As the fourth largest city in the country, Houston is the perfect site for one of our regional furniture shows,” said Larry Karel, president of Karel Exposition Management, the nation’s largest producer of regional furniture and accessory markets.  “We will be servicing a huge number of buyers in the region who are not able to travel to other markets because of the cost.” As has been the case for all of the KEM shows these days, Karel has already expanded the space of the Houston market because of an overwhelming response to initial mailers.  “We’ve had tremendous feedback on the new show,” Karel said. “It’s obvious there has been a need for a home furnishings event in the Houston area.  This is a market that can really grow and rival some of our larger venues.” Long-time KEM exhibitor Thomas “Chopper” Russo, owner of Union City Mirror and Table Co. in Union City, N.J., encouraged Karel to open a market in Houston, calling it “the New York City of Texas.”  Russo applauded the decision. “Houston is a major furniture city.  With all of the ports there, the area is booming,” said Russo, whose company has exhibited in multiple Karel markets throughout the U.S. since 1983. Established in 1921, Union City Mirror and Table Co. is the oldest manufacturer specializing in French provincial furniture in the U.S. “We’re planning on being there and looking forward to writing up a lot of business,” Russo added. Karel Exposition Management, a three-generation business that has been in existence for more than 52 years, is coming off another highly successful show in Long Beach, Ca. and is gearing up for shows in Edison, N.J. and Orlando, Fla.  The company has two annual shows in Long Beach and recently added a second Orlando show, set for next January. “Orlando is breaking records exhibit-wise and will be selling out at nearly 1,500 spaces,” noted Karel KEM’s unique regional market formula fills an important niche for furniture buyers and store owners who don’t have the time or money to fly across the country to attend shows.  “We produce markets that are in our buyers’ backyards,” Karel said. “Our shows are actually helping furniture retailers succeed in today’s economy.” Based in Aventura, Fla., Karel Exposition Management produces furniture and accessory markets in Orlando, Fla.; Edison, N. J.; Fitchburg, Mass.; and Long Beach.  The markets showcase the latest trends in furniture, lighting, bedding and accessories and are open only to manufacturers, representatives, designers, furniture stores, distributors, retailers and specialty stores. For more information about Karel Expo Management or its new Houston Furniture and Accessory Market, call (305) 792-9990 or visit.