WHFA Retailer Resource Center Ready For Las Vegas Market

Furniture World Magazine

The allure of a new market in July 2005, coupled with the excitement of one of the world’s most visited vacation destinations, exceeded even the dreams of market organizers and proved that Western Home Furnishings Retailer Resource Center provided visitors with a great advantage and real value. With the inaugural under its belt, WHFA has made its RRC even more functional, more comfortable and more valuable to the retailer for the January 2006 Market. The Center, located on the second floor of the World Market Center, space 210, is dedicated to providing the latest and greatest by way of free cutting-edge educational seminars, a top-notch industry tradeshow featuring some of the best known and appreciated providers in the business and a host of creature comforts. WHFA Executive Director Sharron Bradley confided that her crew wasn’t exactly sure what to expect on opening day. “Although we were sure the Retailer Resource Center would provide the right benefits and comforts for visitors, we weren’t one-hundred percent sure how many would visit,” she said. She soon discovered that through strong pre-event marketing, good on-site information and heavy traffic flows throughout the World Market Center, turnout at the RRC was better than they had hoped. “The traffic exceeded our expectations, and then some,” she said. Free Educational Seminars: While the RRC boasts a litany of complimentary offerings, the free educational seminar schedule is definitely a highlight. The schedule presents 27 unique seminars with a range of important, business-based topics. “We are excited about the seminars and believe we have put together a strong series that offers variety, interest and information in an excellent setting, “ Bradley said. “From eight-thirty a.m. to five p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to attend any number of seminars they wish at absolutely no charge.” While educational seminars will be a prominent feature to WHFA’s state-of-the-art facility, Bradley says even more will be on-hand for the retailer. “We are committed to delivering the best quality the industry has to offer in the way of programs, seminars and industry business partners.” Industry Trade Show: Featuring an excellent array of information including more than 40 product and service providers who will be on-hand to demonstrate the latest technologies, answer questions and offer advice on a variety of topics ranging from advertising to warehousing and everything in between. Mandalay Bay will play host to the RRC satellite industry tradeshow featuring some of the biggest names in the industry, including Interior Design Society and National Home Furnishings Association. Free RRC Internet Café: The RRC will offer free Internet access to retailers who may be pressed to contact the office or customers. Complimentary Coffee Bar: Staying focused and charged is a major factor in shopping a large market. The RRC’s coffee bar will provide complimentary gourmet coffee, hot and cold drinks as well as popcorn and fresh-baked cookies. Special Events: WHFA has loaded each day of the market with something special in its RRC: $5.99 Buffet Lunch for furniture buyers: Jan. 30-Feb. 2, three seatings between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Reservations only. See www.whfa.org to make a reservation or for information) Blue Hawaii – WHFA Member Appreciation Party - Jan. 31, 3:30-5:00 p.m. CitiFinancial Tailgate Party, Mandalay Bay – South Pacific Ballroom, “F” Feb. 1, 5:30-7:00 p.m. “I don’t believe we could have done more this time to make the RRC better, but I’m certain we’ll continue to make improvements to add even more value and make the RRC a ‘must stop’ visit retailers need,” Bradley said. WHFA’s Retailer Resource Center will be open for business during the next Las Vegas Market – Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2006. For more information, contact WHFA, 800-422-3778 or visit its website, www.WHFA.org. About WHFA The Western Home Furnishings Association is member-owned and the largest affiliate of the National Home Furnishings Association, providing programs, services, and networking opportunities to western home furnishings retailers since 1944.