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JANUARY 30, 2008

The upbeat mood continues…
“We are thrilled to begin the year with one of our most successful markets in history,” said Bill Winsor, president and CEO of the Dallas Market Center. “Our robust January Total Home & Gift Market proves that specialty stores remain strong, and depend upon market to find a customized mix of fresh, new products that help them stay competitive and meet their customers’ needs. We couldn’t be more pleased that they continue to make Dallas their sourcing home across more product categories.”

Buyers at the Dallas Total Gift & Home Market (January 16–22) were seeing red, but it wasn’t in their bottom line; rather, it was the new brand image of the market: “You can’t miss red.”

Despite what we’ve read in the newspapers about weak retail sales, independent gift retailers are feeling good about their businesses. “We had our best year!” remarked gift, furniture and home decor retailer, Vasilios Kineris of Zinc Details, San Francisco. And vendor reports have been equally enthusiastic. Kyle Hall, Waterford Wedgwood showroom manager dished, “Waterford Wedgwood had a very good show in Dallas, not only beating our projections, but actually writing more biz than Atlanta!” Meanwhile, jewelry and fashion accessories manufacturer Calypso Studios, which doubled its previous sales in Atlanta, did quadruple business in Dallas, according to Martha Call Gibby. Overall, the mood of the market was as bright and cheery as the red of the DMC logo and signage.

And speaking of red, the winter market in Dallas also brings a “red carpet” event to the DMC with the ARTS Awards presented by the Accessories Resource Team and Dallas Market Center. Always a glittering affair, the ARTs Awards continue to grow; this year’s event attracted approximately 900 attendees, and featured celebrity designers such as Edward Walker and Barry Dixon as presenters.

But red wasn’t the only color of note. We were also seeing a lot of green — and not the envious kind! Soft shades in a range of hues from spring yellow-greens to more blue-scale citrus tones added to punch to last season’s popular black-and-white and brown-and-white combinations; also paired with the season’s choice — blue. Trend directions affirmed the strength of the peacock motifs seen at the Atlanta market as well as the roosters that we crowed about last summer. But in Dallas, what was most notable came galloping across the Texas plains: the horse — strong, dynamic and sculptural!

Of course, shopping the market is all about the products — new designs, new lines, new companies. And we certainly saw plenty to catch our eye: CBK’s Humpty Dumpty sculpture to sit upon your garden wall; the edgy yet whimsical, “The Ex” knife block; and Tummy T’s t-shirt with a Buddha image for the mom-to-be.

But most impressive of all were the displays all around the market. A lot of credit goes to the showroom and window display people, and to DMC’s Alden Clanahan, vice president of visual merchandising and events, as well as Naseem Cox, manager of visual merchandising. From window to showroom, the displays are eye-catching and inspirational. Ranging from simple to over-the-top, they certainly make a statement.

New Living Elements

Hot Wax
Dallas’s standout candle trend was definitely lavish metal embellishments on pillar and container candles alike. However the show also boasted unusual shapes and decorations and a continuation of the ceramic container alternatives we spotted in Atlanta.
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Roman

Inspired Choices
Always a strong source for inspirational product, this Dallas market produced spiritual offerings for garden and fashion aficionados, as well as for the home.
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Global Views

Display, Dallas Style
Knockout displays were some of the most notable aspects of this Dallas market. A trend towards bazaar-inspired ethnic chic was evident, along with elegant room vignettes, mixing stylized and playful props with product, and some pure creative whimsy that recast items in a wholly unexpected light. We also saw motion incorporated in displays, from a ceiling fan decked out with fish in a seascape to an automated “catwalk”.
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Ozique Little Beetle Baby Chair

Just For Fun
Out of the box and over the top, these Dallas finds range from funky to functional, but always with a hit of fun.
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Imax Worldwide Corp.

Things to Crow About
Spotted rising and shining during the Atlanta summer market, roosters and chickens were playfully scratching their way around Dallas. Representational versions were evident especially in tabletop and home decor with a country or Provencal flare, but fanciful and whimsical interpretations were more the order of the day.
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Dramatic tableware by Juliska

Going for Green!
Green was a dominant theme. In some displays and products, this season’s soft yellow green freshened up the sophisticated look of black or brown and white combinations, while others moved toward the more trend-forward pairing with tranquil blues. But the “green” eco message was not overlooked.
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Cyan Design

Equus Reigns!
The noble horse had a dominant presence in Dallas. Being Texas, you would think that this is not unusual. But these were not your common hardworking cow ponies. These steeds were striking and dramatic sculptural presences.
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Meyda Tiffany

Proud with Peacocks
Peacock imagery, a strong trend noted in Atlanta, also made an impression in Dallas across all categories from lighting to home to holiday.
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