Las Vegas draws in 19% more international buyers

6th March | exhibitions | February’s Las Vegas Market saw international visitor numbers climb by a fifth and well over 6,500 first time attendees. The show, which featured 1,500 exhibitors, saw overall attendance fall 4% compared to its July 2008 event, suggesting talk of retailers putting buying on hold is wide of the mark.

‘What we witnessed this month is a true testament to the strength of the partnership between World Market Center Las Vegas and the industry,’ said Robert Maricich, president and chief executive officer of World Market Center.

‘Rather than be discouraged by talk of the economic slowdown, tens of thousands of buyers, exhibitors and designers were drawn to Las Vegas.’

The Las Vegas Market figures ratchets up the pressure on rival US show High Point, which takes place from 25-30 April in North Carolina.