High Point Market reports point to ‘solid' show
Still working to attract more small, mid-sized stores
Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, October 22, 2009
HIGH POINT — Directors of the High Point Market Authority listened to a variety of market wrap-up reports at their meeting here Wednesday - most of which concluded this week's show was a solid market that was reasonably well attended.
Board members were told some exhibitors are still having trouble attracting buyers from small and medium-sized stores to their showrooms, but Market Authority President Brian Casey pledged to continue to develop marketing efforts to attract such retailers to future markets.
"In a lot of ways, the independent retailer has become king again," added Market Authority Chairman Kevin O'Connor.
Casey told the board his staff will target independent retailers through more extensive use of social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, and through meetings with various organizations of sales representatives.
He said the sales reps often provide the key impetus for dealers to come to market.
"It's critical for us to communicate with (sales reps) about the strength of this market and the importance of coming here," he said. "And we hope they will take that message to their customers."
Casey said he spoke to two groups of reps during sales wrap-up meetings this week, and he hopes to make similar presentations in the future.
Although O'Connor and other board members agreed that market attendance was flat, one bright spot appeared to be a significant increase in Canadian retailers - many of whom had shopped the Las Vegas Market instead of High Point in recent years.
"I think the Canadians are back at this market. We had great attendance from Canada," said board member Art DeFehr, who is president of Canadian manufacturer Palliser and owner of the 220 Elm showroom building.
"We heard nobody complaining about business or attendance," DeFehr said.
Several board members said traffic patterns have shifted since the market schedule was changed to a Saturday opening in April, but there was no discussion of reverting back to earlier schedules which had the market opening on either a Monday or a Thursday.
Under the current schedule, traffic typically has been heaviest on Monday and Tuesday, the third and fourth days of the show.
In addition, the Market Authority also announced that the Centennial Celebration Mural, which captures and illustrates the memories of High Point Market guests, has been acquired by the High Point Museum for its permanent collection.
The Market Authority commissioned Greensboro, N.C.-based artist David Stanley to create a work commemorating the market's 100th anniversary. It was on display at market along the walkway outside Showplace.
More High Point Market October 2009 Coverage
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This trade publication can only put a positive spin on any and all markets, no matter the amount of people attending or the orders written. The halls were NOT crowded, the streets were NOT crowded and parking was easy. For once, I would like to see the real pulse of the Market reported, not the "Rose-colored Glass" view from FT.
Since Mon. and Tues., were the heaviest days, why doesn't the Market start on those days? Starting on Saturday is absurd. The Monday - Thursday schedule worked great, but the HP Market Authority had to change the start days for unknown reasons.
Lastly, this industry needs four Markets per year like we need higher gas prices. I can think of no other industry that has FOUR shows per year. The same amount of business is going to be written whether there are two or four Markets per year, it just costs everybody twice as much to have four Markets. The only people profiting from four Markets, is the Market facilities, airlines, hotels and other support businesses. When will the furniture industry figure this out?
Ralph P - 2009-23-10 16:10:25 EDT -
hmm seems like the only ones complaining are the old NC boys, the old days of packed hall ways are gone-deal with it-we show on the 5th, came out with great product and had our best market in about 3 yrs
Shawn - 2009-23-10 10:00:44 EDT -
I do not know which market you attended but the one I was at in High Point and it was a NOT ATTENDED!! The number of manufactures showing and the number of buyers present was at an all time low. Shame on you for reporting otherwise.
Mel - 2009-22-10 17:26:40 EDT -
We show contemporary, north american made upholstery in the IHFC, the show was the strongest in many years with both cdn, us AND international dealers.
Dont know why so many folks abando their showrooms early, its Thursday at noon, we have written 4 orders today.
cheers
richard - 2009-22-10 13:31:11 EDT -
What are you guys smoking? Attendance? I arrived at Market at noon on Monday. Parked my car on Wrenn St. Took the Main St. elevator to the 4th floor and it was like the market was not even open. I had to walk over to Green to find people who weren't just sitting at the entrance to a showroom, bleary-eyed.
Business? Spotty at best according to the buyers (both major and independent) and retailers (major chains and independents) that I spoke with. And in case goods, definitely bored with brown. Dark brown and light brown are still brown! And a poorly attended market is a poorly attended market.
You, Furniture/Today are supposed to honestly report the news as you find it, not just take the words of the commission and repeat them as gospel.
Mason - 2009-22-10 12:04:19 EDT
High Point Market Authority bracing for cuts
07/23/2009High Point alters dates
06/14/2008
