January Markets Indicate Optimism for 2025 as Buyers Arrived Ready to Order

As reported in a previous article, the mood I observed at Lightovation was positive overall. Showrooms came to see new products (as opposed to re-ordering “safe” basics) and manufacturers had a lot of innovation on display.

Subsequent reports from the major market centers bear this out. According to the Dallas Market Center (DMC), both January editions of the Total Home & Gift Market and the Lightovation show were filled with considerable order-writing and record numbers of new attendees, which included single and multi-location retail stores, interior designers, buying groups, and major retailers.

“Attendance was solid and our numbers were, too,” said Matthew Wilson, Dallas showroom manager for Palecek. “Weather seemed not to be a deterrent for many buyers and our market business, plus our daily business, continues to be strong.”

DMC stated that Lightovation broke attendance records for the number of new buyers as well as international visitors. Interior Designer Preview Day, which took place the day before Lightovation, welcomed 200+ interior designers eager to view new lighting designs and attend design panel discussions and networking opportunities.

“January Lightovation started the year with great energy from exhibitors and buyers,” said Cindy Morris, president & CEO of DMC. “We welcomed a record number of new attendees, as well as the highest number of international buyers for a celebration of new products, innovations, and education for everyone in the lighting industry.”

The International Pavilion at Lightovation, which debuted a new location on the fourth floor of the Trade Mart, featured expanded space for lighting manufacturers from around the world. New to the space were  Berkana Crystal, which distributes Czech crystal lighting, and Pooky Lighting, which offers decorative lighting at a good price point. They joined WakaNINE, Zafferano, and Buster + Punch, which have exhibited in the Pavilion previously.

There were also new exhibitors at Lightovation: Alteck Lighting, offering innovative outdoor lighting solutions; Starfire Crystal, a crystal chandelier importer; and Viro, a custom lighting division of Hammerton. The January show also marked the return of Dainolite. WAC Group relocated and expanded its crystal Schonbek brand to be adjacent to sister brands WAC Lighting and Modern Forms in a showroom that is connected on floors three and four.

The Spectrum shared showroom had new exhibitors as well: Abba Lighting USA, a distributor of outdoor lighting; manufacturers Dainte Lighting, Neko Lighting, Delta Light Group; and Hanover Lantern.

Lightovation exhibitors expressed their satisfaction with the show. Meredith Fingarson, chief marketing officer for Innovations Lighting, said, “January market was an incredible success for Innovations Lighting, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. Despite challenging weather conditions, we saw consistent traffic all week, showcasing the strong interest and enthusiasm for our brand. This was truly one of our best shows yet, with tremendous excitement around our latest collections and the debut of our revolutionary Light Lift.”

Added Becky Li, president of WAC Group, “This January’s Lightovation was awesome, a spectacular industry experience where customers saw our talented team at their best. Our brand new, elegant Schonbek showroom and remarkably renovated WAC showroom are now connected to our beautiful Modern Forms space above. In addition, we debuted the WAC Home collection of connected lighting and control products, unveiled the WAC Group brand collective, and hosted a grand celebration of our company’s illustrious 40^th anniversary. The show was a complete success.”

“As our North American Buster + Punch team reflected on Lightovation, the conclusion remains clear: being a part of the International Pavilion for a second season has been great. The new and expanded International Pavilion was the perfect venue to showcase our full range of lighting, electricity, hardware, and furniture,” says David Schlocker, President of Buster + Punch North America. “Lightovation proved to be inspiring and enlightening for showrooms, sales agents, and interior designers.”

Two weeks later, Las Vegas Market organizer ANDMORE, noted similar positivity among buyers and exhibitors at the World Market Center Las Vegas.

“Whether you’re a gift shop owner looking for trends and inventory, a furniture retailer restocking your floor, or an interior designer managing residential and commercial projects, Las Vegas Market provided something for every buyer,” said Jon Pertchik, ANDMORE CEO. “Las Vegas was a testament to the power of optimism, unity, and rebound across the industries that we serve.”

ANDMORE reported that buyers looking to replenish inventory left World Market Center Las Vegas both satisfied and inspired. “Las Vegas Market has been pure magic!” said Amariz Interiors, a Houston, Texas-based interior design studio in an Instagram post. “Every corner was filled with inspiration: beautiful designs, innovative trends and endless creativity. Staying up to date with the latest in the world of interiors is what allows me to bring the very best to my clients, and this experience has been nothing short of incredible.”

Brad Priest, creative director and owner of J&B Home Décor & Gifts in Elkhart, Indiana, raved about Las Vegas Market’s continued impact on his business. “January 2025 marks my 19^th Las Vegas Market. This is my number one choice for so many reasons — the energy, the excitement, and the special and unique pieces that are offered. My shoppers look forward to me going to Las Vegas Market, because they know I’ll return with amazing finds across home décor, gift, and gourmet treats.”

Delia Chatwin of The Lifestyle Collective in Orem, Utah, remarked, “We’ve noticed a unique energy at this Market — between the live music, organic conversations and parties, there’s an unmistakable liveliness here.”

Onsite education offered business insights and trendspotting tips throughout Market week. Highlights included a Create & Cultivate Business Bootcamp, engaging business owners on entrepreneurship and building a community and an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) standing-room-only seminar, The Future of Interior Design: Unveiling ASID’s 2025 Key Trends, signaling a growing interest in valuable industry research.

“We were delighted by the overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to our trend conversation at Las Vegas Market,” said Lindsey Koren, ASID communications director. “Being able to bring the right voices together in a crowded room to explore shifts in lifestyles, work, and societal trends is a true testament to the power of collaboration and trailblazing research.”

If the reports coming from the major market centers are any indication of the year ahead, showrooms are prepared to meet consumer demands for fresh products and expressing cautious optimism that business will break out of its current plateau and inch upward by Q3 2025.