Dallas Total Home & Gift Market

Ro Sham Beaux Returns to Dallas Market Center

dfalvey — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:32:29 +0000

Ro Sham Beaux Returns to Dallas Market Center dfalvey Tue, 06/11/2024 - 09:32

For the first time in several years, Ro Sham Beaux will return to the Dallas Market Center, exhibiting in The Gallery at Interior Home and Design Center, G116, from June 19-25. Ro Sham Beaux will have new collections on display alongside some of the brand’s statement pieces.

“Dallas Market is full of opportunities,” said Ann Yancy, founder and CEO of Ro Sham Beaux. “It is a critical market for the lighting industry, so we want to make sure Ro Sham Beaux is present at these events, engaging with communities within the industry. As one of the largest trade shows in residential and commercial lighting, Dallas allows us to introduce Ro Sham Beaux to a wider audience.”

This spring, Ro Sham Beaux launched the 'Transformations' lighting collaboration with Mabley Handler Interior Design and hosted several events at the brand’s High Point, N.C. showroom. Yancy plans on keeping the momentum going by adding Dallas Market to Ro Sham Beaux‘s agenda.

DMC Partners with Heart on Main Street for Summer Market

dfalvey — Tue, 07 May 2024 12:14:37 +0000

DMC Partners with Heart on Main Street for Summer Market dfalvey Tue, 05/07/2024 - 07:14

Dallas Market Center and Heart on Main Street, a non-profit organization supporting independent retailers, have announced an exclusive partnership, starting during the Total Home & Gift Market, June 19-25, to celebrate and support independent retail through a series of captivating and interactive visual displays in the atrium of the World Trade Center.

During the Total Home & Gift Market, attendees will see the atrium transformed into a Main Street experience, beginning with a heart wall entryway leading to Main Street displays, four artistically rendered retail storefronts The retail storefronts will represent a florist, gift store, women’s boutique, and home décor store, each stocked with merchandise from Dallas Market Center exhibitors.

The messaging will be clear: the Dallas marketplace supports independent retail and the mission of Heart on Main Street. Adjacent to the storefronts will be an opportunity to donate to Heart on Main Street and support independent retail.

“Heart on Main Street spreads a message about the importance of small businesses in our communities,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “Dallas Market Center prides ourselves on being a family-owned business supporting independent retail, and we are grateful for the opportunity to promote shopping local and to help provide resources for small businesses.

Added Patrick Keiser, Executive Director of Heart on Main Street:
“This collaboration is a great opportunity to create a Main Street experience that amplifies our mission of support for independent retail. We are thrilled to partner with a company whose values aligned with ours.”

Heart on Main Street, which launched in 2022, is a non-profit with a mission to provide knowledge, resources and connections to independent retailers in order to help them evolve and thrive in an ever-changing economy, and to help create more sustainable Main Street businesses in our local communities. financial grants, education, mentorships and partnerships.

The Total Home & Gift market (June 19-25; Temps June 19-22), are running concurrently with KidsWorld and Lightovation (June 19-22).

For more details on Total Home & Gift and upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Instagram, and the DMC Daily Dose.

ANDMORE Announces Leadership Changes

dfalvey — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:27:17 +0000

ANDMORE Announces Leadership Changes dfalvey Mon, 04/29/2024 - 08:27

ANDMORE, a home furnishing's omnichannel marketplace for wholesale buyers and sellers, has announced the appointment of Jonathan (“Jon”) Pertchik as Chief Executive Officer, and the promotion of Dorothy Belshaw to President. Pertchik succeeds Bob Maricich, who founded ANDMORE (formerly International Market Centers “IMC”) in 2011. Maricich will now assume the role of Executive Chairman of the Board to ensure a seamless transition.

“I am pleased to welcome Jon to the ANDMORE team and am confident we have found the right leader for the future of our great company,” said Maricich. “Jon is a seasoned executive closely aligned with our company’s core values and our unwavering focus on putting the customer first. It has been a tremendous privilege to build and lead this business over the last 13 years, and I look forward to working alongside Jon, Dorothy and the rest of the team in my new role as Executive Chairman. The future is bright as we continue to build on our culture, our successes and our customer partnerships to grow our unique industry position as the only omnichannel B2B marketplace.”

“It is a great honor to succeed Bob and to partner with the talented ANDMORE team to continue building on the important mission to offer MORE for customers every day,” said Pertchik. “Bob and the team have done an incredible job growing a differentiated business, dedicated to partnering with wholesale buyers and sellers to help them grow and prosper, and I look forward to leading ANDMORE into its next chapter.”

Rob Harper, Blackstone’s Head of Real Estate Asset Management Americas, added, “We are grateful to Bob for his visionary leadership throughout his tenure at ANDMORE and appreciate his continued dedication to the business. Jon’s multi-faceted leadership experience, passion for the customer, and commitment to teamwork make him the perfect fit for this role, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

Pertchik joins ANDMORE with more than 20 years of leadership experience across real estate, hospitality and finance industries. Most recently, he was CEO of TravelCenters of America (TCA), a Fortune 500 company, where he led the organization through a period of growth and transformation ultimately earning recognition as one of Newsweek’s “Most Trustworthy” large travel and leisure companies. Prior to his role at TCA, Pertchik served as CEO of InTown Suites / Uptown Suites as well as ST Residential, and held leadership roles at WCI Communities and The Staubach Company. He holds a Master of Laws from Georgetown University Law Center, a Juris Doctorate from the University of the District of Columbia, and a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University. He is on the Board of Directors of Nikola Corporation and has sat on the Boards of Lenkbar and AV Homes.

Pertchik will make his permanent office in Atlanta, while also setting up offices in Las Vegas and High Point.

ANDMORE also announced the promotion of Dorothy Belshaw to President. Belshaw is a proven leader with 32 years of experience in the wholesale marketplace industry, including 12 years with ANDMORE holding such positions as Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and most recently, Chief Growth Officer. Incoming CEO, Pertchik said, “I am eager to work with and learn from an industry leader like Dorothy who is widely recognized for her many years of leadership, customer centricity and industry support.”

Belshaw joined ANDMORE (formerly IMC) in 2012, bringing 20+ years of home and gift tradeshow industry experience. Initially hired to bring the category to the Las Vegas Market, her role soon broadened to include responsibility for all aspects of the end-to-end customer experience, driving increased buyer acquisition across all IMC Markets, and developing tools and services to improve the at Market experience for buyers and exhibitors. An industry leader, Dorothy will be honored with the 2024 Gift for Life Industry Achievement Award in June, which recognizes overall excellence and contribution to the gift and home industry.

Dallas Market Sees Increase in Western Buyers

dfalvey — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:43:32 +0000

Dallas Market Sees Increase in Western Buyers dfalvey Thu, 01/25/2024 - 09:43

Dallas Market Center announced that its recently held Total Home & Gift Market experienced an increase in buyers attending for the first time, especially from the western U.S. states.

The number of buyers attending for the first time was at its second-highest level in five years; attendance by buyers from the western U.S. including California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington was up 27 percent compared with January 2023; southwest U.S. buyer attendance including from Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico was up 30 percent.

“We are seeing an acceleration of buyers choosing Dallas especially from the western U.S.,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “This expansion of our buyer base began during the pandemic and quickened in January 2024 as independent retailers and sales representatives determined where they wanted to conduct business. Our January post-market buyer survey shows that retailers are seeking a single marketplace that best presents a wide range of trending products inside an inspiring and efficient marketplace. They also want to attend trade events in a city that offers lower travel costs and is safe.”

A recent Gallup poll ranked Dallas as the safest among 16 large U.S. cities. The Dallas area is the headquarters for both American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, resulting in more daily non-stop flights at competitive rates, and the city is #1 in the U.S. in the number of new hotel projects underway.

Tens of thousands of buyers from across the country attended the January seven-day trade event that welcomed single and multi-location retail, interior designers, buying groups and major stores. The marketplace debuted more than 30 new or expanded showrooms across its campus and hosted the largest presentation of Temps in more than 10 years.

“We noticed a significant number of new buyers from the West, which is great to see,” said John Keiser, CEO of OneCoast. The company opened a new, flagship showroom on the first floor of the World Trade Center.

Added Diverse Marketing’s CEO, Wes Hardin: “We’re impressed with the number of new West Coast stores, especially California and Washington, in attendance. There is good energy and positive momentum in Dallas.”

Strong Opening for Total Home & Gift Market: Attendance Up 17 Percent

gannunzio — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:16:46 +0000

Strong Opening for Total Home & Gift Market: Attendance Up 17 Percent gannunzio Mon, 01/15/2024 - 11:16

Dallas Market Center announced that its Total Home & Gift Market opened with a 17% attendance increase for the first two days compared with last January. The attendance increase was notable for attracting retailers and interior designers from across the U.S. and internationally, with the strongest growth coming from the western U.S.

“We are thrilled with the strong opening of our January show,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “You can feel the energy of new and returning buyers with strong open to buy that have come to Dallas for the newest products, grand openings of more than 30 showrooms, and the expanded Temps. We are expecting traffic to remain steady throughout the weekend and into next week.”

Tens of thousands of buyers from across the country are anticipated to attend the seven-day trade event that welcomes single and multi-location retail, interior designers, buying groups, and major stores. Exhibitors noted the strong traffic and order writing:

“We have sold to 68% more retailers in the first two days of the show and are hitting double our sales than we did a year ago,” said John Keiser, CEO of OneCoast, which celebrated the grand opening of their flagship showroom on the first floor of the World Trade Center. “We noticed a significant number of new buyers from the West, which is great to see.”

Diverse Marketing’s CEO, Wes Hardin, also noted the rise in traffic from the west. “We’re off to a strong start, and we’re impressed with the number of new West Coast stores, especially California and Washington, in attendance. There is good energy and positive momentum in Dallas.”

“It’s off to a great start in our new home,” said Liesl Ludwig, CEO of Anne McGilvary & Company, which celebrated the grand opening of their new Dallas showroom in the World Trade Center. “We are seeing a many new retailers and opening new accounts from all over the country. We’re happy to be a part of such a lively marketplace.”

In the Interior Home + Design Center, MC Studio owner Jennifer McNairy said: “Market is off to a tremendous start as we welcomed new customers and cut the ribbon on our expanded showroom featuring Bernhardt Interiors. The business of home is strong in Dallas, and we look forward to working with retailers and interior designers this week and throughout the year.”

The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market, which runs January 10-13, welcomed hundreds of new and returning exhibitors. Forty-five percent of the January Temps exhibitors are showing in Dallas for the first time.

When asked how the opening of the show has been thus far, Robert Rodenbergerof JazzyArtz responded “This is the best show. We love the buyers in Texas and the Dallas Market Center.”

Added Meredith Harris and Raquel Torres with Balneario: “As a first-time exhibitor we have made amazing contacts and sales. We are excited to see how the great exposure boosts our brand!”

Stacyi Bradford of White Washed Home said: “We had the best opening day in 10 years!”

“Things are really hopping at Wild Hare Designs, and the Dallas Market Center is amazing, as always,” said Madeline German of Wild Hare Designs.

“Dallas Market is first class all the way,” said Tim Danser with Prince of Scots. “They give great customer service and deliver high quality buyers. The city of Dallas is the perfect backdrop with great restaurants and hotels.”

The Total Home & Gift Market will continue to run through Tuesday, January 16, with the Temps closing on Saturday, January 13. For more information, including hours and events, please visit Dallas Market Center.

For upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the DMC Daily Dose.

Home Trends & Design Opens Permanent Dallas Market Showroom

dfalvey — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:23:56 +0000

Home Trends & Design Opens Permanent Dallas Market Showroom dfalvey Mon, 01/08/2024 - 12:23

Home Trends & Design, a leading name in the sustainable home furnishings industry, is excited to announce the grand opening of its new permanent showroom at Dallas Market Center, located at IHDC-GL102. This showroom will be open year-round, showcasing the latest and most innovative designs in home decor and furnishings.

The grand opening of the Home Trends & Design showroom coincides with the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, taking place from January 10-16, 2024. This event promises to be a spectacular showcase of the brand's commitment to style, quality, and innovation. Visitors can expect to explore a curated collection of furniture, accessories, and home decor that exemplify Home Trends & Design's dedication to blending modern aesthetics with timeless craftsmanship.

The new permanent showroom is strategically positioned at IHDC-GL102 within the Dallas Market Center, providing an immersive and convenient experience for buyers, designers, and industry professionals. The expansive space is designed to inspire and facilitate meaningful connections within the home furnishings community.

"We are thrilled to establish a permanent presence at Dallas Market Center," said Hank Cravey, CEO at Home Trends & Design. "This showroom represents a significant milestone for our brand, allowing us to engage with our customers on a year-round basis. The Dallas Total Home & Gift Market serves as the perfect platform to unveil our showroom and showcase our latest collections."

Home Trends & Design invites industry professionals, media representatives, and design enthusiasts to join the grand opening celebration at IHDC-GL102 during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. The event promises to be an opportunity to explore the brand's signature style and witness firsthand the craftsmanship that sets Home Trends & Design apart in the home furnishings landscape.

Dallas Market's MC Studio Debuts Bernhardt Furniture

dfalvey — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:20:40 +0000

Dallas Market's MC Studio Debuts Bernhardt Furniture dfalvey Wed, 01/03/2024 - 10:20

MC Studio and International lifestyle brand Bernhardt have announced the launch of the new B.I.G (Bernhardt Interiors Gallery) at the Dallas Market Center, during Total Home & Gift Market, January 10-16, 2024.

MC Studio first opened its showroom on the second floor of the Interior Home & Design Center #2F140, at Dallas Market in January 2023 as an exclusive to-the-trade designer showroom featuring Norwalk Furniture and carefully curated pieces sourced to fit a variety of clients needs and personalized style. Providing to-the-trade buying solutions and an expansive showroom layout, the showroom was designed by the vision of Jennifer McNairy, founder of MC Studio, who began her career as an Interior Designer 20 years ago before venturing into the world of wholesale.

McNairy shared, “Our team is thrilled to be collaborating with Bernhardt and to be bringing their iconic designs to the TOLA [Texas-Oklahoma-Louisiana] region with the launch of our newest Bernhardt Interiors Gallery. We invite everyone to discover their expansive collection, as we double the size of our showroom and raise a glass to toast our partnership.”

MC Studio’s B.I.G (Bernhardt Interiors Gallery) Launch Event will take place during Dallas Market on Thursday, January 11th from 4-7 pm in IHDC #2F140, and will be the exclusive welcome to Bernhardt event. MC Studio has pulled out all the stops to create a fun celebration for its Welcome to Market Party and will feature champagne and catered delights, alongside live music from a DJ. The MC Studio’s team will also be on hand to walk buyers through Bernhardt newest introductions of luxury indoor seating and lounging concepts.

Bernhardt, known for its high level of craftsmanship and incredible furniture design, produces a wide range of luxury indoor and outdoor furniture that is inspired by redefining traditional forms through the use of interesting materials. “We share a passion with MC Studio for inspired and forward-thinking design, so we’re excited to collaborate with them on this new venture. Bernhardt’s future-forward style and dedication to craftsmanship perfectly complements Jennifer’s vision for MC Studio," said Alex Bernhardt Jr., the President and CEO of Bernhardt, who leads his creative teams in the design of extraordinary furnishings inspired by travel, architecture, and artisan craftsmanship.

The expansion of MC Studio’s showroom with the Bernhardt brand will provide a stunning selection of custom upholstery and endless finishes that offer tones and shades that complement any decor. Textiles on offer from Bernhardt Interiors are as luxurious, modern and sophisticated as the collection itself. From nubby boucles and faux furs to twills, velvets and supple leathers, Bernhardt delivers “high design, elevating the furniture's inherent artistry,” the company says. On display at MC Studio B.I.G (Bernhardt Interiors Gallery) is Bernhardt's award-winning casegoods collection crafting distinctive designs and personalized style that has long been associated with a high level of craftsmanship and iconic furniture design.

“MC Studio’s showroom expansion and collaboration with Bernhardt is great news for the Dallas design community,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO, Dallas Market Center. “Together they bring tremendous design influence and stunning collections to our open daily marketplace and energy to the Interior Home + Design Center. We are thrilled to see the addition of such prestigious brands forging a partnership and creating an innovative space.”

“January Market is the perfect opportunity to show off our collection of exclusive brands and for designers to shop simultaneously from everyone we proudly represent all at once. Adding that our hands-on approach and dedication to our design community is unparalleled for our attention to detail and exemplary custom service,” added MC Studio team.

MC Studio also proudly features the following brands alongside Bernhardt; Custom Upholstery - Norwalk Furniture, Tomlinson Companies; Textiles & Fabrics- Kravet, Fabricut, Jill Seale, and many others, and Rugs- AREA By Edward Fields.

Unique Loom Announces Dallas Market January Event Lineup

dfalvey — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:37:51 +0000

Unique Loom Announces Dallas Market January Event Lineup dfalvey Wed, 12/20/2023 - 09:37

International rug brand Unique Loom is adding to marketing and events at Dallas Market’s Total Home & Gift Market (January 10-16, 2024) with the announcement of a jam-packed schedule starting on Wednesday, January 10th.

Adeleh Nassri, Business Development for Unique Loom, shared, “Dallas Market in January has always been a great way to start the new year and see buyers at our first show of the season. This year we wanted to make Dallas extra special by partnering with leading designers and guest speakers to educate guests during a series of Lunch & Learn events.”

Unique Loom will partner with guest speakers and leading designers as event hosts to create an inspiring and welcoming environment as a way for buyers to learn while they shop from hundreds of hand-woven, one-of-kind and ultra vintage rugs as well as accessing their private collection that is exclusively on display in their Dallas showroom #1D112.

Unique Loom’s Marketing Team added, “We are thrilled to be launching our Dallas Lunch & Learn series and to be working with Amy Mints and Whitney Atkinson, who deliver two exceptional presentations. When we launched this series at High Point Market, we were thrilled by the program's response and how many of our customers thanked us for the education and the delicious catered lunch.”

Unique Loom's Lunch & Learn Series

Unique Loom’s Lunch & Learn series in Dallas kicks off at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, January 10th, with “Rugs 101” delivered by their sales and marketing team.

On Thursday, January 11th guests will explore “Protecting & Preserving Rugs” the A to Z on How to Care + Clean for Rugs with Amy Mints. Interior & Textile Solutions owner-operator Amy Mints works with interior designers, homeowners, architects, builders, and furniture and textile manufacturers to educate them on how to protect their fine textiles and rugs. Then on Friday, January 12th, guests will discover "Wugs & Willows with Whit” - the World of Outdoor Weighted Rugs and Pillows with Interior Designer/Owner & Creator, Whitney Atkinson, of WUGS, Weighted Rugs.

Unique Loom’s signature "Tacos & Tequila Event" will be held on Thursday, January 11th from 3:00-6:00 pm in #1D112 and will feature food, fun and drinks. Hosted by interior designer, Jessica Duce, principal and owner of JDuce Designs & and co-founder of Vacation Rental Designers, who will deliver an insightful talk on “Designing for Vacation Rental Properties” while she shares more info on her Vacation Rental Designers membership program. Event hospitality will include the pairing of delicious tacos, with top-shelf Tequila and specialty cocktails while guests relax and enjoy music from a live DJ.

“We are beyond excited that Jessica Duce has agreed to host our Taco’s & Tequila Party at Dallas Market! As a long-time customer and huge supporter of our brand we are thrilled that Jessica was available and willing to partner with us on our signature event and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to fabulous food and fun at market.” shared Stephanie Adams, Sales & Marketing for Unique Loom.

Unique Loom’s Dallas Market schedule also includes twice daily Sip & Shop events on Wednesday, January 10th through Sunday, January 14 with Mimosa Mornings from 9 - 11 am, and Market Cocktail Hour from 3-6 pm. Their friendly and knowledgeable sales and marketing teams will also be on hand during the market to offer guided tours with education about their newest rug custom rug design program and insights into the artistic designs behind their beautiful hand-woven and one-of-a-kind collections. Buyers are encouraged to Book a Market Appt to learn more.

Unique Loom will also show at Las Vegas Market (January 28-February 1, 2024) in showroom B424 with a full schedule of events and engagements to be announced soon.

The Gerson Companies Returns to Dallas Market Center

dfalvey — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 13:42:39 +0000

The Gerson Companies Returns to Dallas Market Center dfalvey Wed, 09/27/2023 - 08:42

Dallas Market Center and The Gerson Companies, a renowned leader in product development and import of seasonal, home décor, and gift products, announce that the company has signed a long-term lease and will open a showroom in time for Total Home & Gift Market, taking place January 10-16, 2024. The show is the first trade event of the year in the U.S. for the business of seasonal, gift, and home products.

The new Gerson Companies showroom will be located at World Trade Center 315 and will encompass more than 5,000 square feet.

“Returning to Dallas Market is incredibly meaningful to the Gerson family, our company and our independent retail customers,” said Jacob Gerson, fourth-generation family member and Vice President of Sales and Customer Experience. “Gerson has had tremendous success at the Dallas Market Center throughout its 80-year history, and we’re thrilled to come back full circle to where our rich market history first started. But above all else, we couldn’t be more excited to showcase our award-winning product lines to the growing number of retailers that Dallas Market Center continues to attract.”

The Gerson Companies, founded on a rich legacy of innovation and a commitment to excellence, is an industry powerhouse specializing in providing exceptional seasonal and everyday home decor and gift items to retail. For more than 80 years, The Gerson Companies has become synonymous with its cost-plus pricing model and a best-in-class product offering with thousands of new and innovative items introduced each year across its seasonal, home décor and gift lines.

The long-term lease in Dallas reaffirms its dedication to serving independent specialty and gift retailers with high-quality, trend-setting products. The new showroom also helps the company further expand its footprint to reach broader audiences inside a marketplace that hosts trade events throughout the year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Gerson, which is a highly respected brand that’s also highly requested by our retail customers,” said Cindy Morris, President and CEO, Dallas Market Center. “They are an iconic company that will deliver inspiring collections of products matched by a deep understanding of the customer. From our family-owned company to theirs, we look forward to their Dallas debut and a strong partnership.”

The Gerson Companies' new presence at Dallas Market Center is poised to bring fresh energy, innovation, and a best-in-class product selection to the independent specialty and gift retail sector. Retailers can look forward to an inspiring, one-stop destination for all their home decor and gift needs.

"We are excited about the opportunity to join the vibrant community at Dallas Market Center,” said J.J. Hjalmarson, Vice President of Ecommerce and fourth-generation family member. “Our long-term lease signifies our commitment to offering the best products and service to our valued customers. Our customers want to shop us in Dallas, and we listened.”

Grand opening plans and promotions will be announced at a later date. The Gerson Companies and Park Hill share family ownership, and Park Hill has long had a beneficial relationship with Dallas Market Center.

Three Perspectives: A Panel Recap at Minka Lighting

gannunzio — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:09:59 +0000

Three Perspectives: A Panel Recap at Minka Lighting gannunzio Wed, 08/09/2023 - 10:09

We recently held a panel at the Minka Group showroom where we focused on facing challenging times. We heard three industry veteran perspectives on past events and keeping business solid today. Our panelists: interior designer, product designer Robin Baron, Robin Baron Design; digital marketing expert Leslie Carothers, Savour Partnership; and Michael Bauer, Director of Trade Relations for Feizy Rugs.

How did past events, such as 9/11 and the 2008 recession, impact your business?

Robin Baron: I didn’t feel the 2008 recession right away. I was in the middle of projects. I started feeling it about a year, year and a half later, and that allowed me to prepare.

Leslie Carothers: After 9/11, I stopped working as an interior designer after 16 years. If I was ever going to start my own business, that was the time. I wrote a 32-page workbook and started a sales training business. It was internet-based. In 2008, Twitter came about. Twitter allowed us to talk B-to-B and B-to-C for free. I worked hard to get designers on Twitter between 2008 and 2012. I started doing a lot of speaking. That was the shift for me then, and I’ve shifted several times since.

Michael Bauer: I didn’t get into this industry until 2000. I had been a caterer. No one wanted to have parties after 9/11. I became the “showroom boy” in In Detail (in Dallas) and I was the first person to sell home furnishings to a designer. In 2008-2010, we saw hospitality designers shift focus to residential design. Working with designers allowed me to keep my business going. When you look at high design, that doesn’t really slow.

Share some changes you made or saw in the industry that kept things going?

RB: I had a newsletter just when blogs were starting (2008). I had been doing a lot of print marketing, which was expensive, so I changed to digital at that time. I started doing blogs, twitter and other social media. I reduced my staff by half, which allowed me to reduce costs. It’s important to keep marketing. You have to find smart ways to do that.

LC: Ecommerce was becoming important during 2008-2013, and retailers were competing with ecommerce. Manufacturers were starting to work with designers during those times, so that became a focus.

What are some of the lessons you’ve learned in past crises that you can use today to protect your business?

RB: With economic stress, take a step back, take a deep breath and don’t panic. Figure out how you can be leaner and meaner. Make sure you are not only attracting what you want in business but keeping your structure set up to survive in lean times. Find the white spaces. Where in marketing can you think differently? In those early days, I became a spokesperson or brand ambassador for companies. You have to do things that make sense in your business. There are other marketing avenues today, and we have to be ahead of the curve.

MB: We take ideas from the designers and retailers we work with. We’ve also streamlined, and gone from Feizy to Feizy Rugs. We are strictly rugs now. We’re also rebuilding our website and reorganizing our marketing, growing that along with the website. Now is the time to prepare. Even when business drops off, you need to stay visible in front of your audience for when things rebound.

How do you keep your business in front of customers during leaner times?

LC: Create a business-to-consumer Facebook group. It allows you to have a free community to stay connected with potential customers during uncertain times. You can advertise through your Facebook page. Get local consumers into your community. After COVID, community was missing, and people want to be around other people. Start having conversations. How can we help you with…? It is a time commitment. To get people to engage, be real. Let people get to know you. Keep in mind that no one wants to be sold to constantly.

RB: You’re establishing yourself as a community leader. You can go from doing the community on Facebook to doing talks like this one in front of potential customers. Establish yourself as an expert.

In our current economic climate, what steps should you take to ensure your business weathers the challenges?

RB: Know your goals. Set those and then determine how you attain those goals. There are long-term and short-term goals. Focus on the long-term goals first, and then set the short-term goals toward those long-term goals. Things shift along the way, so you have to be flexible.

In these times, too, go back to doing talks for consumers and finding new ways to connect. Be out there in whatever way you are comfortable and be building those relationships and trust.

What are some unique steps you are taking now to ensure you send the right message to your customers?

MB: Communication within the company is super important, as important as communication outside of the company. How do we communicate with customers that now’s the time to move forward, not to pull back? That word goes out to the reps, and they go out to the retailers. The message is let us partner with you and collaborate to keep you moving forward.

RB: It’s not always as simple as encouraging a design client to continue. It’s important to stay front and center so when your clients are ready, they think of you. The message is that they can trust you to do right by them. They’re nervous about the economy. We can help each other. It’s about collaboration. Handwritten notes are way underrated. Write a note to your top 10 customers. Send little gifts. It’s old fashioned but it’s unusual now so it can pay off. Maintain a positive attitude.

LC: Create experiences for your customers. Offer candle-making classes or other in-person events that attract young consumers into your store. Create that community aspect.

Do what you can virtually too. Create a white-label Metaverse activation on your website where customers can join an event with avatars and shop if you have an ecommerce site. Set it up as a game. This is the next evolution of digital marketing.