First attendance figures from Chicago

The American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) estimates that around 15 000 visitors came to Chicago for the first AHMA Hardware Show. A spokesman for the association emphasises that these included buyers from the major DIY and garden centre groups in the USA and 15 other countries. According to official information there were approximately 700 suppliers occupying an exhibition space of around 19 000 m². Despite the steep decline in participation when compared to the most recent National Hardware Show last August, AHMA president Timothy S. Farrell called it a “great start” for the new concept. The association has announced that it will present a final fair report in May.