The Gift+Home show at the Winter Las Vegas Market, January 28 to February 1, recorded a surge in buyers from both the United States, up 25%, and international markets, up 45%, over the year-earlier event, according to organizer International Market Centers. The January 2013 show drew buyers from all 50 states, with strong increases in U.S. buyer growth, IMC stated, particularly from the Midwest and Northeast.

In addition to gains judged on geographic lines, IMC noted, the gift show also managed to draw more buyers from specific retail sectors including floral/seasonal, toy store, antique store, stationery/paper goods, drug/pharmacy, gallery/museum store, hospital gift shop and specialty.

“Our expansion of resources is bringing more gift and home buyers to Las Vegas, and retailers are pleased with both the quality, and the growing quantity of market resources,” said Dorothy Belshaw, president of Gift & Home Décor, IMC. “Our post-market analysis of attendance data indicates that Las Vegas is fast becoming a ‘super-regional’ draw and, with continuation on this trajectory, the leading market for gift and home décor in the Western U.S.”