Hot Summer For KEM Regional Furniture Shows

Furniture World Magazine

The “sold-out” signs smack of a long-time Broadway hit.  But the script is more hometown theater.  The showman is none other than Larry Karel, long-considered the “King of the Regional Furniture Markets.” Karel and his company, Karel Exposition Management (KEM), are on a roll with several consecutive packed houses at its venues in Edison, N.J.; Orlando, Fla.; Long Beach, Calif.; and Fitchburg, Mass.  The company will debut its new Houston Furniture and Accessory Market next May in one of the largest event venue sites in the world.    “The formula has been working to a tee these past couple of years,” said Karel, referring to the concept of producing regional furniture and accessory markets that are less expensive for exhibitors and more geographically accessible to buyers. “Tee” as in turnout.  In August 2004 alone, Karel Expo filled more than 1,500 exhibit spaces at its Orlando Furniture and Accessory Market and 1,100-plus spaces at its Edison Furniture and Accessory Market. “Needless to say, it was a hot summer for shows,” said Karel, who will be entering his 45th year with the business that his father founded in 1952.  “The manufacturers were writing up lots of orders.  The feedback from buyers was extremely positive.” It appears things won’t be letting up. The Long Beach Furniture and Accessory Market, scheduled for November 21, 22 and 23, 2004, has already sold more than 1,100 spaces and is almost at capacity. The new Winter Orlando Furniture and Accessory Show, set for January 28.29 and 30, 2005, is approaching 1,000 booths and the Edison Furniture and Accessory Show, scheduled for February 6, 7 and 8, 2005, is already sold out. 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 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, the fourth largest city in the U.S., calling it “the New York City of Texas.”  Russo applauded the decision and plans to exhibit in the Lone Star State. “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. Based in Aventura, Fla., Karel Exposition Management produces a total of XX furniture and accessory markets a year.  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 any of its scheduled shows, call (305) 792-9990 or visit www.kemexpo.com.