Edison Furniture Market to Highlight New Trends in Industry August 4-5, 2002

Furniture World Magazine

Comfort and function enhanced by sleek contemporary styles will reign this year as the hottest new trend in the furniture industry at the upcoming Edison Furniture and Accessory Market, which takes place at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center on August 4-5-6, 2002. "This year rooms should be inviting and beautiful, perhaps compelling and interesting, but definitely comfortable," said Marty Hochman of Am-Tak Importers based in New York. According to furniture manufacturers and designers alike, this new trend puts emphasis on creating rooms where families and friends can comfortably convene for informal gatherings or business meetings. "The hottest new trends are contemporary in style but also revolve around the need for comfort and intimacy," said Hochman. "Light and bright, cozy furnishings with a warmth and livability seem to be the post 9/11 movement, especially here in the New York area." Since Sept. 11 the furniture industry as a whole has noticed that, because of the nationwide heightened concern for safety and security, people are now staying home more and investing more in creating a comfortable lifestyle within their homes. "The Edison Furniture and Accessory Market will give us the opportunity to introduce our new line of contemporary sleep sofas and chairs," said Edward Borits of Look Luxe. "This year we feel our biggest sellers will be the pieces that are contemporary, comfortable, unobtrusive yet functional. Our new line addresses the wants and needs of people today, who now feel the need to entertain and spend vacation time in the comfort of their own home much more than ever before." In addition, furniture manufacturers are tapping into consumers' continuing love for all things American, with a focus on comfortable style that combines the warm familiarity of our nation's heritage. According to Steve Mandell of Hart Furniture Manufacturers, the American style that continues to unveil itself this year is fresh, updated and just right for today's lifestyles: traditional enough to feel familiar, yet contemporary enough to be stylish. "We will be introducing two new bedroom sets at this year's show which focus on the Early American theme and feature a weathered pine look," said Mandell, "we expect them to be hugely popular this year." "The stiff, formal furnishings that were once common in living rooms are giving way to more casual, useable pieces," said Larry Karel, owner of Karel Exposition Management, one of the nation's largest producers of regional furniture and accessory markets. "Instead of a place that's more of a reception area, living rooms as well as family rooms are once again becoming places to relax and spend time with friends and loved ones." These and other new trends will be on display at the upcoming Edison Furniture and Accessory Market. "Our regional trade shows provide venue for furniture and accessory manufacturers to talk directly to their customers, and help small retailers stay on top of the latest styles and colors," Karel said. The Aventura, Florida-based Karel Exposition Management is currently celebrating 50 years of planning and executing furniture trade shows. The company is the nation's largest producer of regional furniture and accessory markets and currently holds annual shows in Tampa, Florida; Orlando, Florida; Edison, New Jersey; Fitchburg, Massachusetts; Las Vegas, Nevada and Long Beach, California. For additional information, visit the Karel Expo website at www.kemexpo.com or call (305) 792-9990. WHAT: Karel Exposition Management is setting the stage for the Edison Furniture and Decorative Accessory Market which will showcase the latest trends in furniture, lighting, bedding and accessories. Featuring nearly 1000 exhibit spaces, the marketplace is the largest of its kind on the East Coast and will display every aspect of the trade today from traditional furniture and accessories, to contemporary pieces, to unique furniture imported from around the world. WHO: For manufacturers, reps, designers, specialty stores and distributors, who work directly with retailers. The Edison Furniture and Accessory Market is closed to the general public and no one under 13 years of age is permitted to enter. WHERE: New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, NJ WHEN: Sunday, Monday and Tuesday – August 4, 5 and 6, 2002 HOURS: August 4 – 9:30 a.m. thru 5 p.m.; August 5 – 9:30 a.m. thru 5 p.m.; August 6 – 9:30 a.m. thru 3 p.m. WHY: The Edison Furniture and Accessory Market offers exhibitors the opportunity to open new accounts, establish after-market leads and talk directly with many thousands of buyers. Now celebrating 50 years in the business, Karel Exposition’s shows allow buyers to see the latest styles of furniture and decorative accessories and stay current with trends in the marketplace without having to travel extensive distances. FOR PRESS PASSES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Contact Andrew M. Rose at Marketing Ink, Inc. at (954) 428-2678 or andy@marketingink.net. Call Karel Expo at (305) 792-9990 or visit the company’s web site at www.kemexpo.com.