Visitors to this year's Midwest Furniture Show, set for Sept. 25-26 at the Schaumburg Convention Center, will see a record number of new exhibitors, according to show organizers.

"It's always exciting to see new manufacturers come into the show," said Geoff Weed, who coordinates the annual event for the Midwest Furniture Club, the local International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. affiliate.

"We have Beverly, Vig Furniture and Flair showing for the first time. And we are attracting higher-end lines such as Malouf Fine Linens and Southwood We also like to promote Midwest manufacturers from Wisconsin-based Ashley to Penwood, a custom case goods manufacturer," Weed said.

He added that as the show approaches, many upper Midwest retailers are reevaluating their retail strategy as the market changes. Retail in Chicago is expanding with Art Van announcing the opening of six full-line furniture stores and a number of sleep shops, The Dump opening its first Chicago-area location at the end of August and Sleepy's opening 10 locations in Chicagoland recently.

"A lot of established retailers are excited because advertising will expand with the arrival of Sleepy's, The Dump and Art Van," said Weed. "I think everyone is sharpening the saw and gearing up for a higher level of interest in furniture and bedding. Consumer top-of-mind awareness in our industry is growing, and the show is tailoring its presentation to helping our retailers flourish in the new environment."

In bedding, show stalwarts such as Englander, King Coil, Corsicana and Five Star will be joined by new exhibitors Ashley Sleep and Pure Latex Bliss.

Ted Weisbach, president of the Midwest Furniture Club, credits the club's technology investment in keeping the show growing.

"A few years ago we made the investment in a great web site for our members. Exhibitors can download forms and sign up for the show easily. And retailers and designers can pre-register for the show on our site, www.midwestfurnitureclub.com. It's made a huge difference for us," he said.

This year the newly formed North American Home Furnishings Assn. retail trade group will have a presence at the show, as will IHFRA.

In addition to furniture distributors and manufacturers, the show will feature service companies such as freight haulers, promotional companies, retail services in finance, advertising, marketing, promotions, technology and websites.

"This is all done for our retail community. We think attendees will be pleased with what they see," said Weed. "And we always leave a little space at the end for the late-comers who want to exhibit."

Now in its seventh year, the show is returning to the Schaumburg Convention Center, in a suburb about 20 minutes north of Chicago. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. A complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served each day and attendees are invited to attend a cocktail hour starting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.