News

July 26, 2019
Excitement abounds at LA Mart’s Summer of Love

Thousands of buyers entered Summer of Love Market at LA Mart. Attendees were greeted by staff dressed in tie-dye tees, headbands and retro sunglasses all with a nod to the late 1960’s Summer of Love. The main lobby DJ played 1960’s music throughout the duration of the Market, with popcorn, ice cream and old fashioned 60’s candy served throughout.

Entrance to LA Mart Summer 2019

The Market was adorned with retro posters of the Woodstock concerts, the Stonewall revolution, the moon landing as well as concert posters and movie posters that all reflected the anniversaries of historical events and groovy happenings during the late 1960’s and the original Summer of Love.

From far-out displays and groovy giant blowups of 1960’s couples to beaded door curtains and projected movies like Barbarella, Easy Rider and Valley of the Dolls, there was no question that you were taking a step back to a time which reflected a gentler more laid-back period. “The LA Mart is the best place ever,” said Melissa Carlson of Dalton Brody/ MPC Designs of Washington DC.

LA Mart's Summer of Love Market registration

“We feel that the LA Mart always delivers such a calm and non-stressful atmosphere and that this theme reflected the tranquility that we already provide when you shop here,” said Frank Joens, sr. vice president, general manager LA Mart. “Plus, at a time that seems to be fraught with divisiveness and anger, we thought that ‘Summer of Love’ was an ideal premise to remind everyone how important kindness and love is to a divided society.”

Ribbon cutting at LA Mart Summer of Love Market 2019

LA Mart And MSA Partnership Provided Ideal Synchronicity

Joining forces, the Museum Store Association and the LA Mart executed an MSA exhibit space, profitable showroom connections and a welcoming package for all MSA member buyers and vendors. Vendor member benefits included a special denotation in the printed and on-line building directory, a directory addendum listing all MSA vendors, showroom window decals, and callouts in marketing collateral as well as social media posts.

For MSA buyers, LA Mart created a special MSA Gallery in the temporary exhibits, a raffle for each order written with an MSA vendor, a champagne reception roundtable discussion, and an outing to downtown LA’s Broad Museum, the LA Phil Harmonic Museum Store and finally to the Disney Concert Hall Store.

“The Museum Store Association was honored to partner with LA Mart for the inaugural MSA Gallery at the summer market,” said Susan Tudor from the Cummer Museum in Jacksonville, Florida. “The dedicated space provided a great opportunity to showcase our MSA exhibitors as well as highlight the MSA’s role in advocating for our industry. As a first time LA Mart attendee, I had a great experience. I was thrilled by the product selections, the customer service, and the varied activities that the Mart presented.”

New and Expanded Showrooms Were Celebrated During Market

Along with the new Temporary exhibit space, several new showrooms were celebrated with ribbon cuttings during LA Mart’s Summer Market. Humboldt Artisans Group opened a 3,000 square foot showroom on the 8th floor to showcase handmade products exclusively made in Humboldt County California.

Showroom expansions included Steven Young and Keena showroom to accommodate their new partnership with Kikkerland. “LA Mart is my absolute favorite show to do. Great products and a wonderful event all wrapped into one,” says Melissa Carlson, Petal Lane Home, Richfield, Utah.

Attendees entering LA Mart 2019

A New Temporaries Venue Created An Ideal Location For Success

LA Mart debuted space for order writing and cash and carry temporary exhibitors. “The new venue is beautiful and exhibitors were extremely pleased that it created a gallery feel which emphasizes the curated look which has always been our endgame,” said Nora Wade, director of sales for LA Mart’s Temps LA and Temps ID.

LA Mart Summer of Love order writing

“I wrote more orders this first day here than in all 5 days at a market in the Southeast,” said Jennifer Steele of LA Grand in Orange, California. “Further, the temps look great. I’ve also already written 5 orders in temps alone.”




Stationery Trends Winter 2024
Get one year of Stationery Trends in both print and digital editions for only $15.

Interested in reading the print issue of Stationery Trends?

Subscribe Today »