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Show picks up steam

Companies piggyback on Lifestyle

By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, January 8, 2006

High Point — More showroom buildings here plan to open their doors when Lifestyle Enterprise holds a retailer event Jan. 16–18.

Importer Lifestyle plans to fly large and midsized retailers to its High Point showroom, believing that's a better use of its money than setting up shop at the Las Vegas market two weeks later. Several suppliers have decided to open their showrooms, too.

Adding to the momentum is the support of High Point buildings: the International Home Furnishings Center, all four Center Point buildings, and properties owned by Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (including the National Furniture Mart, Furniture Plaza, Plaza Suites, Market Square, the Suites at Market Square and Hamilton Market).

Tom Mitchell, senior vice president of MMPI, sent a letter encouraging exhibitors to show during the event.

Managers of the Showplace building also sent letters letting exhibitors know that it would open if they wanted to show.

Hooker Furniture said last week it would open its showroom in the IHFC (W-1047), becoming the first Top 25 supplier to join the mini-market. Incanto USA and Whitewood Inds. also announced they would show.

"Some of our current customers as well as targeted accounts are attending and inquired to our sales reps if our showroom would be open at that time," said Steve Smith, managing director of Incanto USA, which shows in Plaza Suites, C-113. "We have decided to open the showroom for a few appointments as well as any walk-ins that may occur."

Whitewood's John Thomas division will open on Jan. 16 and 17, according to Carla Mata-Sprinkles, vice president of marketing. John Thomas, a casual dining specialist, will offer special pricing and guaranteed quick shipment for orders written during the two days at its 215 S. Main St. location.

"We applaud Lifestyles Enterprise's innovative thinking," said Mata-Sprinkles. "They've thought of everything and have really challenged other suppliers to get on board."

She added, "High Point markets still make the most sense economically for suppliers and retailers."

John Thomas will host a breakfast Jan. 16, offering Presidents Day promotions. The first 25 showroom registrants will be entered into a cash drawing, she said.

Lifestyle said that by last Thursday, it had reserved 217 hotel rooms for visiting retailers. James Riddle, managing director, said he expects the number to continue to grow. Lifestyle sent out 5,000 invitations at the end of December, he said.

Because Lifestyle sells container loads, most of the retailers attending are medium-sized or larger.

Even though it's Lifestyle that is paying for the retailers to fly here, Riddle said he was happy to hear that Hooker would open, because the big company could help draw more buyers.

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Several mfrs. join Lifestyle's mini-market

Jan 6, 2006

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