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High Point sets March, Sept. premarket dates

By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, January 11, 2009

HIGH POINT — This year's premarket events here will take place March 23-24 and Sept. 14-15, the High Point Market Authority announced last week.

Premarket occurs about a month before the April and October High Point markets, allowing manufacturers and suppliers a chance to show new product prototypes in advance of the spring and fall shows.

The September dates will overlap the Las Vegas Market, which is scheduled for Sept. 14-17.

High Point Market Authority President and CEO Brian Casey said the organizers decided to leave premarket about a month before the October market, despite the conflict with Vegas.

Organizers of the Las Vegas show previously set their dates for September, a switch from the July timing of past years.

“Vegas has made their decision to move dates and I am sure they have their reasons, but everything we do has to be focused on what's best for High Point and what's best for the exhibitors and the buyers who attend,” Casey said. “That is our focus and will continue to be our focus.”

Manufacturers say they use the High Point premarket to get feedback from major retailers on new products, which allows them to make product changes in time for market. This year's High Point Markets are set for April 25-30 and Oct. 17-22.

Today, with much of the product sourced in Asia, manufacturers have only been able to make minor adjustments in the short time between premarket and market. But in recent years, participating manufacturers have revitalized premarket, adding social events and placing an emphasis on showing more new product rather than sketches. Event sponsors also have helped cover the costs of lodging and meals for buyers.

Officials say premarket gives attendees a more competitive advantage and emphasizes High Point's importance in fashion and furniture design.

“For a growing number of leading retailers, participating in premarket has once again become a way to secure distribution of key product lines and shore up key vendor relationships,” Casey said.

He added that feedback from buyers indicates that premarket helps them make smarter buying decisions, which he said “is obviously more critical than ever at a time when economic conditions are challenging so many in the industry.”

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High Point sets premarket dates

Jan 5, 2009

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