High Point officials skeptical of WMC plans
By Larry Thomas and Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, April 3, 2005
High Point — High Point officials were skeptical of the World Market Center's plans last week, saying it will take more than drawings and site plans to knock the International Home Furnishings Market off its perch as the world's largest furniture exhibition.
Officials said that, while they are taking the threat from Las Vegas very seriously, they are not convinced that backers of that market can execute their ambitious plans, which call for 12 million square feet of showroom space to be constructed by 2015.
"It's one thing to announce plans. It's another thing to bring plans to fruition," said High Point Mayor Becky Smothers. "The proof will be in 10 to 12 years ... and our market will be stronger at that point too."
Bruce Miller, CEO of the International Home Furnishings Center, High Point's largest furniture showroom complex, was even more blunt.
"They say they're going to build 12 million square feet? Give me a break," he said. "I don't know where all the exhibitors are going to come from."
Miller said World Market Center developers have a credibility problem "because they're perceived as small," and he believes the WMC's newest long-range plan is merely aimed at shoring up their credibility.
"My guess is that they are reacting to what we are doing," said Miller, citing a recent advertising campaign touting the size and scope of the High Point market. "There's nothing to compare to it."
Smothers said market and city officials have known all along that WMC developers are ambitious, and predicted their latest announcement will only cause locals to work harder to keep the High Point show at the top of the heap.
"We don't shy away from competition and cower," she said. "We just work to be better."
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