Four Hands, Global Views win High Point Market showroom awards
Judges, marketgoers choose the best
Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 21, 2009
HIGH POINT — High Point Market exhibitors Four Hands and Global Views won the market's top awards for excellence in showroom design and merchandising ideas, the High Point Market Authority announced.
Four Hands (which shows in Union Square, E201/P202) was chosen by a panel of judges to win the Best of Market Award in the competition. Runners up were Global Views (International Home Furnishings Center, D-220) and Lexington Home Brands (1300 National Highway, Thomasville).
In addition, Global Views took first place in the new People's Choice Award competition, based on votes from marketgoers via Twitter or text messaging. Runners up were Feizy Rugs (Market Square 143) and Charleston Forge (Market Square 110A).
Brian Casey, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority, announced the winners on the Stars under the Stars stage here. He presented the Best of Market Award to Four Hands founder and CEO Brett Hatton.
"Four Hands is a leader in trend setting for the industry in terms of product," Casey said. "They are well known for an eclectic mix from different countries at excellent price points. From a display standpoint, the use of color, lighting and textures are always evident throughout the Four Hands showroom."
He said the judges determined that the presentation would draw visitors farther into the space, and also liked its global emphasis and environmental story.
Four Hands' showroom designers included Fran Weil, visual merchandising; Nicholas Miller, graphic designer; and Keith Britt, marketing director.
Judging the competition were Ray Allegrezza, Furniture/Today; Sheila Long O'Mara, Home Furnishings Business; and Mark Woodman, Mix Magazine.
Casey said the People's Choice Award, meanwhile, "takes our showroom competition to a whole new level. Not only does the winning exhibitor have to present a spectacular display, they have to develop and implement a strategy to get their guests to vote."
Global Views excelled in both aspects, he said.
With a focus on merchandising made easy, Global Views' creative team of Rick Janecek, Gregg Lovell, Erin Davis and Seth Vaughn developed a series of display ideas that brick-and-mortar retailers can use to draw customers into their stores. Before and during market, the design team tweeted their Twitter followers and posted progress reports of the showroom's progress on their Facebook page.
Winning entrants in each category were presented with a crystal trophy cup, and will be featured on the High Point Market web site as a resource for retailers after market.
More High Point Market October 2009 Coverage
High Point Market to host showroom contest
09/21/2009Block party to kick off High Point Market
09/09/2009Showroom winners to be honored Tuesday
10/18/2008High Point Market to open with block party
09/27/2009
