Tupelo returning to roots
By Ray Allegrezza -- Furniture Today, May 26, 2008
Tupelo, Miss. — The Tupelo Furniture Market is returning to its roots and repositioning itself as the premier market for promotional home furnishings.
According to V.M. Cleveland, CEO of the market, the changing focus at the Mississippi event is being driven, in part, by the changing global economy.
"Not that long ago, the bulk of furniture manufacturing went offshore," Cleveland said. "But as a result of the current economic realities, a growing number of domestic producers are shifting some production — especially for promotional goods — back to the United States."
This paradigm shift, along with the lackluster retail climate, is the impetus for the Tupelo market's refocus, Cleveland said.
"In light of the current retail environment, more and more retailers are turning to in-stock promotional goods, overstocks and liquidated items as the switch that can turn on sales, stimulate traffic and create much-needed cash flow," he said. As a result, he said, it makes sense for the Tupelo Furniture Market to put a brighter spotlight on the promotional segment to serve the growing needs of both buyers and sellers.
Serving the promotional market is nothing new to the Tupelo Furniture Market, which got its start in 1987 as the major venue for domestically made value-priced upholstery.
Since that time, the market, which has grown to some 2.5 million square feet, has gone on to attract a wider assortment of exhibitors and product categories, including bedding, case goods, accessories and rugs.
Cleveland said the renewed focus on promotional goods will be a win-win for exhibitors and retailers alike.
"The draw for importers and manufacturers is that we provide a highly cost-effective backdrop not only for introductions, but for overstocks and closeouts," he said. "For retailers, the show becomes a gold mine for in-stock merchandise at the lowest possible prices."
The Tupelo market, he added, has always had a reputation for being a strong order-writing event. "But now, with an even greater focus on promotional goods and closeout pricing, we expect written orders to go to a new level."
Cleveland said a number of special promotions are in the works for the next market, Aug. 21–24, to promote the strengthened promotional identity.
He said the change will not affect the event's current mix of exhibitors, which includes companies in the medium segment of the market.
Tupelo Furniture Market to run Aug. 14-16
06/29/2009Tupelo Market to highlight value exhibitors
08/03/2005Tupelo sets Jan. dates
08/24/2008
