Just reading about the Dallas market center. Has anyone been? The diplays look really wow, but I am just wondering if it is this way all the time???
Dallas Market Center
- Thread starter Missy
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Hi Missy,
Yes, it always looks great. Of course it's more elaborate during market times. I go to Dallas--personally prefer to go when there isn't market going on because of the crowds and lines. There are some excellent temporary vendors and market specials that I miss by doing that, but we aren't a gift shop so that works for us.
If you decide to go, let me know and I can share some favorite shopping spots and hotel accommodations. You would be coming a long way!
Patty
Yes, it always looks great. Of course it's more elaborate during market times. I go to Dallas--personally prefer to go when there isn't market going on because of the crowds and lines. There are some excellent temporary vendors and market specials that I miss by doing that, but we aren't a gift shop so that works for us.
If you decide to go, let me know and I can share some favorite shopping spots and hotel accommodations. You would be coming a long way!
Patty
We are just 2 hrs. away. We shop in January for 4-5 days and do 90% of our Christmas, fall and everyday. The return in June for 3-4 days. We do soemtime go to the March mini market and the Sept. mini market. The showrooms are always great. The floral design center offers great programs for the 2 larger markets. We always learn something. If you need some specfic infor let me know.
Less traffic is nice, but you might be missing some trade show specials that the vendor ususally promotes during the Jan and June show.
Like Ted said, free food and booze abound at that time as well. I always eat well (thank you vendors) for lunch and I have plenty of drinks and finger food later in the evenings.
Missy, I design a couple of showrooms at the Dallas Market in the Design Center. I also help work some of the shows when they are really busy.
I really would recommend that you go during the June or the January shows. They have 2 other mini shows during the year where several vendors open up. During the main shows, you can get fantastic ideas for setting up your own store or for designs. They are done by world class designers. After the shows, you might miss seeing all the great stuff.
More than 3/4 of the permanent showrooms are closed during the rest of the year. You can go to their website and check out market dates.
Another thing that some of you may not know about about is "First Monday and Tuesday". About 1/2 of the vendors are open on the first Monday and Tuesday of each month so they can get rid of their samples. Some will even sell you the whole showroom if you give them a price.
The samples are usually sold for 50% to 75% off on those days. If I still owned my shop.....I could absolutely stock it well with the bargains that can be found on these days. It does takes a while to look at all the vendors and you need to pay cash....but, it is worth looking into.
I have the authority to sell the complete showroom for a company I design for if anyone is interested. It would have to be cash and would have to be picked up there.
Let me know if I can give you any more information about the Market.
Carol Bice
I really would recommend that you go during the June or the January shows. They have 2 other mini shows during the year where several vendors open up. During the main shows, you can get fantastic ideas for setting up your own store or for designs. They are done by world class designers. After the shows, you might miss seeing all the great stuff.
More than 3/4 of the permanent showrooms are closed during the rest of the year. You can go to their website and check out market dates.
Another thing that some of you may not know about about is "First Monday and Tuesday". About 1/2 of the vendors are open on the first Monday and Tuesday of each month so they can get rid of their samples. Some will even sell you the whole showroom if you give them a price.
The samples are usually sold for 50% to 75% off on those days. If I still owned my shop.....I could absolutely stock it well with the bargains that can be found on these days. It does takes a while to look at all the vendors and you need to pay cash....but, it is worth looking into.
I have the authority to sell the complete showroom for a company I design for if anyone is interested. It would have to be cash and would have to be picked up there.
Let me know if I can give you any more information about the Market.
Carol Bice
Can you tell me if I was going at show times what show I would be looking for, is it, Total Home and Gift or Holiday and Home Expo???
I think you want to go to the Gift Market. This would include floral, vases, accessories, etc.
Carol Bice
Thanks Carol! I see there is a shorter show in September with the same name, can you tell me the difference?
It is the same thing except many of the vendors are not open. They reserve their presentations for the big shows. There is not a big crowd, so, the shopping is easy. But, the selection is far less.
A lot of showrooms start tearing down their displays right after the big shows.....so, you might miss seeing some outstanding displays.
Since, I am here close....let me know if I can be of help if you decide to come. I live 10 minutes from the airport and could possibly pick you up.
Carol Bice
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