Most like earlier Showtime
Lighter traffic helps weave relaxed mood
By Susan M. Andrews -- Furniture Today, December 18, 2005
High Point — Upholstery fabric buyers were looking for something new for their Las Vegas introductions and getting a start on their sampling for the spring High Point market at the first-ever December Showtime fabric market here last week.
Although traffic was light, almost everyone was pleased with the show's new timing and there was a wide representation of furniture manufacturers on hand as well as decorative jobbers, pillow producers, handbag makers and fabric retailers.
Some exhibitors and sales representatives said a large number of their accounts decided just before the show to opt out because of family commitments, but those issues will be helped next year when the show moves to the first weeks of June and December.
An unexpected bonus attributed to the earlier date was an overall relaxed attitude at the show. Many vendors weren't able to get their entire line ready. Consequently, showings tended to be shorter, giving attendees more time between appointments. As a result, nearly every exhibitor reported increased walk-in business, and many buyers reported finding new sources because they had time to look around.
At major mills Quaker and Culp, top executives are looking to next year with enthusiasm and optimism.
Tom Muzekari, vice president of sales and marketing at Quaker, said, "Business has been improving the past month or so." The company now is sourcing from several countries, he said, "but we won't lose sight of our domestic style."
Rob Culp, chairman and CEO at Culp, noted the earlier Showtime date "was to help the global sourcing folks have more time to get ready.... If you don't get serious about your selections early, it's like you've lost the bet before you even tee off."
"We were pleased with the show," said Gary Inoff, vice president of sales and marketing at Bartson Fabrics. "I'm not sure about the wisdom of the date change, but I thought everyone was upbeat and we didn't hear anything negative."
Pam Brady-Proesch, director of merchandising for Jackson Furniture Inds., noted "a lot more Chinese product at this show. Some were new exhibitors, but there was also a lot more China-made product at our regular vendors as well."
Like many buyers, Brady-Proesch was shopping for spring introductions, but also needed something new for the January Las Vegas market.
Companies with a performance story to tell stayed very busy. Wearbest Sil-Tex served countless hotdogs at its Bella-Dura Bistro and got buyers' attention with a cleaning demonstration of how easily mustard, ketchup and wine could be removed from its new performance product.
Crypton Fabrics, with its largest-ever introduction, also showcased its easy-cleaning properties.
"We had a great market," said Hal Hunnicutt, residential market manager for Glen Raven, producer of Sunbrella 100% yarn-dyed acrylic performance fabrics. "Sunday was a little quiet, but the rest of the week we were very busy and we had great response to our new presentation. We've completed revamped the way we show the line.... We are presenting coordinated room settings and groups and showing large full-size samples."
Ultrafabrics promoted its Brisa and Brisa Soleil performance faux leathers with an educational breakfast event focusing on the luxury consumer. A model dressed in a lab coat to represent the company's tagline ("the science of luxury") and wearing hot pink gloves made of Brisa distributed invitations to the event.
Newcomer Valtekz, also a specialist in upscale faux skins and other materials, had designer Celerie Kemble in its space to talk about the line she designed for the company.
Presentation continues to improve at Showtime. One of the most fun showrooms this season was Valdese Weavers, which featured childhood photos of its employees to help set a home-like atmosphere.
California vendor Morgan Fabrics secured an adjacent space and, instead of turning it into another fabric showing area, showcased products in a fully furnished vignette, complete with seating areas and a Christmas tree.
Jennie Shafer, executive vice president of merchandising, decorated the vignette, and Morgan Vice President David Young said it attracted so much attention, "We've decided to do it every time."
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Most like earlier Showtime
Dec 19, 2005
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