The First Philadelphia Furniture and Accessory Market To Debut In May

Furniture World Magazine

Larry Karel, President of Karel Exposition Management, the nation's largest producer of regional furniture and accessory markets, has announced that the dates for the new, "Philadelphia Furniture and Accessory Market" at the new Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks are Sunday May 17 and Monday 18, 2009. Never one to sit back and hope for the economy to make an about face, Karel has the foresight and vision to produce a new market in these shaky times. "We are expecting a sellout and the buyer attendance should be similar to our Edison, New Jersey markets with heavy attendance," said Karel. Philadelphia is a first for Karel Exposition Management and the reaction from exhibitors, buyers and industry leaders has exceeded expectations. "The reaction to this new show has been fantastic," Karel stated. The highly anticipated show will feature hundreds of spaces of merchandise and is expected to attract attendees from Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C, Southern New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Karel also announced that Ashley Furniture Industries has confirmed exhibit space for "The First Philadelphia Furniture and Accessory Market." "Ashley Furniture has always been synonymous with quality and service and we are honored that they will have a presence at our Philadelphia market," said Karel. "We are very excited to be part of the "The First Philadelphia Furniture and Accessory Market" to display our Signature Design products to area buyers," stated Ron Wanek, Chairman of the Board of Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. "The First Philadelphia Furniture and Accessory Market" is jointly sponsored by the Tri-State Home Furnishings Association and the Mid-Atlantic Home Furnishings Association. "These organizations are the backbone of the region and we are thrilled to have their support," said Karel. "This should be a great beginning, what with a new facility, as well as expanded participant base, reaching into as yet untouched regional market areas. This is an opportunity to show actual product to many retailers and designers that don't attend the markets far from home," said Cathy Reed, executive director, Tri-State Home Furnishings Association. "MAHFA is proud to be a co-sponsor of the Philadelphia Market. The show should offer great opportunities to our members as well as the large furniture community in Delaware and Maryland and we look forward to working with KEM to make the event an even greater success," said Howard Salpeter, President of the Mid-Atlantic Home Furnishings Association. "The First Philadelphia Furniture and Accessory Market" is open to furniture dealers. Attendees will see and meet new sources exhibiting furniture, bedding, lighting and decorative accessories. Karel Exposition Management has been producing trade shows since 1952 and is known for showcasing an exceptional roster of manufacturers, representatives and distributors. As with all of his shows, Karel adheres to his company's successful credo, "For less than a tank of gas, you can shop the market and return home the same day. No costly airfare, hotel room, food or car rental as would be the case if you had to travel to a market far from home." "The Philadelphia Market will deliver buyers from untapped areas and will be a blessing to both buyers and exhibitors in this economy," said Karel. WHAT: "The First Philadelphia Furniture and Accessory Market" WHERE: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks,100 Station Avenue, Oaks, Pennsylvania, phillyexpocenter.com WHEN: Sunday May 17 and Monday 18, 2009 TIME: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm INFO: 305 792-9990 Admittance to the "The First Philadelphia Furniture and Accessory Market" is complimentary. However, attendees must have two forms of proper business identification showing that they are in the home furnishings industry.No person under the age of 13 will be admitted. Not open to the public.