News

Opening day of the LA Mart Winter Market, the rain poured outside, and the buyers poured into the show to make it one of the most successful Winter Markets in years. Compared to Winter 2018, LA Mart confirmed an over 13 percent increase in attendee traffic, which was no surprise as retailers repeatedly reported a very successful recent holiday season creating empty shelves that needed to be filled. Attendees arrived to discover the LA Mart lobby awash in slowly moving purple, blue and pink lighting akin to the Aurora Borealis skies depicting the theme of Winter Wanderland- Come Wander With Us! Opening day customer service was at its peak as rain-soaked buyers were greeted warmly, handed towels, and provided hot apple cider to lessen the chill.

As the Los Angeles sunshine returned on day two, so did huge crowds of buyers just in time to experience the opening of TEMPS ON 2 and the debut of TEMPS ID, the next generation of cash and carry temporary exhibitors. This new division of temps was so successful that more often than not, visibility down these crowded aisles was limited at best. The lively TEMPS ON 2 also provided a first class shopping experience with the addition of many new exhibitors including Mary Hada, Humboldt County Artisan Group and Packaging Services.

As buyers wandered through the building they found thousands of never before seen lines of gift, holiday, toy, home, and lifestyle products that were displayed throughout the permanent showrooms.

Beautifully curated lobby and corridor displays showed an extra touch that was sure to stimulate creativity in buyers and designers alike. In addition, the Winter Wanderland theme was evident throughout the building and gave a sense of great cohesion and inspiration to engage buyers.

“Providing a welcoming and visually stunning experience is what the LA Mart is all about,” noted Frank Joens, Sr. VP, General Manager of LA Mart. “Buyers love the extra care we take to make our main lobby, and our shopping floors so beautifully decorated and displayed. We want to motivate our attendees to think outside the box by creating display inspiration for use in their stores. Further, by providing top tier customer service, in a clean and well-organized venue, it allows our buyers to get right to the business of working with exhibitors and showrooms. Our event is NOT frenetic or harried, so it lets buyers concentrate on actual shopping and not be distracted by poor customer service or confusing logistics.”

To enhance the buying experience, LA Mart provided free on-site parking, fast and easy registration, clear signage and directories, daily complimentary happy hours, weekend morning mimosas, snacks and food throughout, on-time shuttle services, and a Market party that included dinner, drinks and dancing.

The LA Mart is open all weekdays as well as markets and events throughout the year. Mark your calendar for the Spring Market Sunday, March 31 – Tuesday, April 2, 2019