Tupelo traffic beats expectations
By Jay McIntosh -- Furniture Today, August 25, 2008
TUPELO, Miss. — Traffic was light in some showrooms but steady in others at last week's Tupelo Furniture Market, for the most part beating low expectations.
Parking lots were less than full, but exhibitors said the buyers that were here needed product, and were placing orders for goods to bolster their lean inventories. As usual, market specials and closeouts were popular.
At upholstery source United Furniture Inds., Vice President of Sales Jay S. Quimby said he was “pleasantly surprised” after seeing major, quality accounts from around the country.
“The feeling is that retail has turned up and people are focusing on the third and fourth quarters. We've been very pleased with the market,” he said.
Coaster was one of several exhibitors to move to the market's Tupelo complex this market from the Mississippi complex, which was damaged by a tornado this spring. Market officials chose to move most of the tenants because the damage couldn't be repaired before market.
“We had good traffic and quality people,” said Terry Meece, Midwest sales manager for Coaster. “Traffic is dictating we stay” in Tupelo.
Traffic was good at Powell as the week progressed, but a desire to cut market costs led to a decision to stop showing here after this market, said Tom Liddell, senior vice president of national accounts.
Lynn Davis, president of Davis International, described the market as “flat” because of the slow economy, and the fact that retailers have several other markets they can attend. He said stores were looking for product warehoused and available for 48-hour delivery, a service Davis provides.
“Inventories are very lean and dealers want availability,” he said.
Caye Home Furnishings, parent of Stratford, Stratolounger and Brookwood, was the only company that chose to keep its showroom in the Mississippi Complex.
“We are very pleased with our decision to stay here,” said Herb Hester, CEO. He said traffic was steady from Tuesday on at the 12,000-square-foot showroom.
Ashley Chairman Ron Wanek said the company saw “quite a few majors” on Tuesday and Wednesday, before the official Thursday opening. “People are coming in with good attitudes. Their business isn't terrible,” said Wanek, who added that he heard that August “has been better for a lot of dealers.”
Senior Editor Gary Evans and Staff Writer Heath E. Combs contributed to this story.
