Karel Furniture and Accessory Market Bets on Success in Atlantic City

Furniture World Magazine

Following a hiatus of 13 years, Karel Exposition Management (KEM) is returning to the burgeoning seaside locale of Atlantic City to produce the Atlantic City Furniture and Accessory Market. From Sunday, May 7 through Tuesday, May 9, 2006, retail buyers of furniture, lighting, bedding and accessories are expected to converge upon the Atlantic City Convention Center for KEM’s highly successful Furniture and Accessory Market. The addition of Atlantic City to the KEM Market roster makes it the first time that the company is offering three Markets in one state. KEM’s Market’s in Edison, New Jersey, 100 miles from Atlantic City, consistently sells out twice a year. Both exhibitors and buyers have responded enthusiastically to the upcoming Atlantic City venue. “The response has been so fantastic, that we are already expanding our initial space reservations at the Center,” says Karel. Located within a few hours drive of nearly one-third of the nation’s population, and 20 percent of the country’s business addresses, “Atlantic City affords a tremendous opportunity for buyers and sellers to connect,” adds Karel. The Tri-State Home Furnishings Association (TSHFA), based in Ambler, Pennsylvania, is encouraging its members – including manufacturers' representatives, retailers and distributors in the home furnishings industry -- to participate in the KEM Atlantic City Market. “This Market offers great selling opportunity to our members, and many are already signing up,” says Cathy Reed, executive director of TSHFA. “We supported KEM’s efforts in Atlantic City in the past, and we look forward to another successful Karel production.” The TSHFA serves eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware. Led by Larry Karel, KEM’s Markets fill a need in the marketplace for both buyers and manufacturers alike. By offering reasonable exhibitor fees, KEM provides an affordable alternative for manufacturers who do not have a permanent showroom space as well as for those who simply want to enhance their exposure through Regional Markets. For buyers, there is an opportunity to attend a Market in their own geographic area, without the costly travel expenses. The Sheraton Convention Center Hotel, linked by a pedestrian bridge to the Convention Center, is the host hotel for the Market. The Atlantic City Furniture & Accessory Market takes place from Sunday, May 7 through Tuesday, May 9, 2006 in Hall D at the Atlantic City Convention Center, One Miss America Way, Atlantic City. Hours are 9:30 AM to 5 PM on Sunday and Monday, and 9:30 AM to 3 PM on Tuesday. The Market is open to the trade only, including retailers, buyers, distributors and designers. With headquarters in Aventura, Florida, Karel Exposition Management has been producing furniture and accessory shows, bringing buyers and manufacturers together since 1952. In addition to Atlantic City, KEM produces regional Furniture and Accessory Markets in Houston, Orlando, Edison, New Jersey, Fitchburg, Massachusetts and Los Angeles.