Tupelo opens strong
Mostly upbeat buyers seek values
By Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, February 20, 2005
Tupelo, Miss. — The Tupelo Furniture Market got off to its usual brisk start last week, buoyed by the value-driven buying that has been the centerpiece of this show since its inception in 1987.
Exhibitors said buyers, for the most part, were upbeat about business, although few were reporting huge year-to-date sales increases. But given the spotty and mercurial nature of business the past two years, there were few complaints.
"Our incoming business has remained strong in January and February," said Herb Hester, president of Caye Home Furnishings, which makes the Stratford, Stratolounger and Simmons Upholstery brands. "We're kind of excited about the possibilities for the rest of the year."
Hester said he was pleased with showroom traffic, noting that sales of the Stratolounger motion line have been especially strong.
"Business has been good ... but you've got to work really hard for it," he said.
Although the market didn't officially open until Thursday, Wednesday's "unofficial opening day" was just as busy in many showrooms.
"We had a few customers in as early as Tuesday, and Wednesday was, as usual, busy," said Lynn Davis, president of manufacturer Davis International. "We always write orders at Tupelo and this show has been no exception."
Also reporting busy traffic was Fraenkel, which doubled the size of its showroom to 22,000 square feet and boosted its offerings of upholstery and casual dining.
"We had a great show," said Fraenkel President Ray Crocker. "We signed up several customers who have never bought from us before."
Hickory at Home, the consumer products division of Hickory Springs, did well with its line of bed frames, metal and wood beds, futons, mattress toppers and pillows.
"I'm finding that more and more of our major dealers come here," said Jim Wall, director of consumer products. "Tupelo makes everyone feel really comfortable."
Echoing those thoughts was Michael Amini, CEO of case goods source AICO.
"This market has been good, but we always are busy during markets. We had a steady flow of traffic on Wednesday, and Thursday was good for us as well," Amini said.
"Overall, our business continues to be very strong and very steady. We've had nice increases this year," he added.
| Acknowledgements | ||
| Editor in Chief Ray Allegrezza, Executive Editor David Perry and Staff Writer Jeff Linville contributed to this story. | ||
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