The market date shuffle
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 17, 2008
In recent years the top three U.S. home furnishings markets have shifted dates, each trying to find the sweet spot to draw exhibitors and buyers. Here's a summary of what each has done.
High Point Market
For decades was held in April and October, officially opening on a Thursday.
In fall 2006, the opening day was changed to a Monday, Oct. 16.
In 2007, shifted to a slightly earlier schedule, opening on March 26 and Oct. 1. Reverted to a more traditional timing in 2008, opening April 7 and Oct. 20, but stuck with the Monday opening.
In 2009, will move to a Saturday opening and shorten each market by a day, to six days. Opening dates are April 25 and Oct. 17.
High Point continues to hold a premarket, at which several dozen exhibitors show prototypes of new product to buyers, a month before each market.
Las Vegas Market
Stuck with late January and late July dates since its inception in July 2005, but will switch next year to Feb. 9-13 and Sept. 14-17. Markets have been five days but will shorten to four starting in September 2009.
Tupelo Furniture Market
Traditionally held in February and August. Opened on Thursday until February 2006, when it shifted to Wednesday. Changed back to Thursday in August 2008.
Tupelo's winter market moved to a Jan. 10 opening in 2007 but went back to late February this year.
Next year, will shift to a Saturday-Wednesday schedule, Jan. 24-28 and (tentatively) Aug. 15-19.
Fate of premarket still to be decided
10/30/2005HP Premarket in doubt
10/27/2005
