L.A. Mart has announced its First Tuesdays Lineup for 2009 -- featuring special programming to better serve buyers, including product demonstrations, book signings, new product introductions, retailer networking, seminars, food in participating showrooms and special guests.

Each First Tuesday highlights a product category. 2009 First Tuesdays are:

Feb. 3: Garden
March 3: Holiday
April 7: Tabletop and Gourmet
May 5: Spa and Wedding
June 2: Stationery and Books
Aug. 4: Fashion Accessories
Sept. 1: Event Planners
Oct. 6: Children's
Nov. 3: Travel

First Tuesday programming coincides with L.A. Mart's Retailer of the Month (ROTM) honors. ROTM acknowledges exceptional retailers who have extensive industry knowledge, a superior retail store, familiarity with the wholesale marketplace, innovative marketing and promotional strategies, strong Web presence, and riveting visual merchandising. Each ROTM winner is nominated by an L.A. Mart showroom and specializes in that month's highlighted product category.

Each First Tuesday will also include:

Morning Fix
9 a.m.; Main Lobby
Jump-start your shopping with coffee and pastries.
Mix & Meet
3:30 p.m.; Main Lobby
Eat, drink and mingle with other retailers.
Free Swag Bag
Buyers who RSVP will receive a complimentary L.A. Mart tote bag packed with showroom samples.
Free Parking Every Tuesday
Buyers are eligible to receive free parking every Tuesday, courtesy of the L.A. Mart Gift Association. Simply book a Tuesday appointment with a gift showroom and ask that the showroom forward your name, store name and date of your visit by the Monday prior to your visit to Caryle Fox, admissions manager, at 213-763-5825 or cfox@lamart.com.

To learn more or to RSVP for an event, visit www.lamart.com and click "First Tuesdays" (www.lamart.com/gift/daytoday.html).