The showroom shuffle continues in Los Angeles with several companies ending their relationships with the California Market Center and moving or returning to the L.A. Mart.

Firestone Marketing Group, a new company formed by Marc Firestone and Alison Hess, after Dick Firestone, Marc's father, retired from Firestone & Associates, is returning to the L.A. Mart after being in CMC for about four years.

Also moving to the L.A. Mart in time for the summer show this month are 18 Karat, D.B. Imports, NCE, Roger Wilson & Associates, S.S. Sarna, Filbert & Fig, Fiorentina, Holiday Souvenirs, Kravet/Lee Jofa, L.A. Productions Home & Garden, Indigo and BX Glass.

"We're so pleased to have showrooms of the Firestone Marketing Group, Roger Wilson & Associates and NCE caliber return to the L.A. Mart," said Gerry Seibel, vice president and general manager, L.A. Mart. "Our showrooms, retail buyers and interior designers appreciate what we do here to make the markets successful for everyone, and we are looking forward to a great year ahead."

"My father and I had a showroom in the L.A. Mart for more than 20 years," Marc Firestone said. "I practically grew up here, so to me, it is like coming home again."

Questions about future plans for the California Market Center were raised soon after Jamison Properties of Los Angeles closed a deal with DMG World Media and the Hertz Group to purchase the building for $135 million in January. However, CMC management continues to operate the building as a venue for fashion, gift and home accents.

According to a story published in the Los Angeles Business Journal, Jamison also has signed a letter of intent to pay about $160 million for the former MCI building at 700 Flower St., the Macy's Plaza retail center and a 3,000-space parking garage, about a block west of the CMC building.

Both shows are scheduled for July 19–26.