Dress Rehearsal Previews High Point Market Trends
Heath E Combs -- Furniture Today, September 24, 2011
Hooker Furniture is extending its Mélange accents line with pieces including this Chloe accent chest with a dramatic floral pattern.
HIGH POINT - Plenty of new product was on display at last week's High Point Premarket, the dress rehearsal for the market that's about five weeks away.
The key to the Premarket's success continues to be showing product that's nearly market-ready.
Najarian Furniture, for instance, got retailer feedback on three of the four case goods collections it will introduce at the High Point Market, which runs Oct. 22-27.
Lee Boone, president of case goods importer Legacy Classic, said the company can still use Premarket to make minor tweaks to products - like changing a tabletop inlay pattern - in time for market.
Tom Conley, new president of the High Point Market Authority, met suppliers and buyers at Premarket and said he was impressed with the industry's ability to weather a slow economy. Conley, a former toy industry market executive, also said it was noteworthy to see that the furniture industry, like the toy industry, has a vibrant, thriving Premarket.
"I was certainly fascinated to see that trade issues and business issues can drive the revitalization of a Premarket in two industries," Conley said.
Ed Tashjian, chief marketing officer for furniture source Home Meridian International, said the company had a strong Premarket.
"We had high expectations for who would attend and our customers like what they see," Tashjian said. The 
Stanley’s new Archipelago Collection has East-meets-West style influences with arch patterns, fretwork and interlocking circle elements. It is available in multiple finishes, including the Shoal finish seen on this bedroom group.
company showed five new bedroom groups, 130 new accent pieces and 30 new curios - most of its High Point introductions.
Bernhardt had 95% of its planned High Point introductions on the floor last week. A key to Premarket is getting commitments early, said Heather Eidenmiller, company director of brand development.
Fred Henjes, CEO of Riverside, said the company was about 70% market-ready.
"We have every major collection represented in a major fashion," he said, adding that the company plans to continue to sponsor Premarket. "We get to see some of the best retailers in America."
Bedroom manufacturer Vaughan-Bassett had more than 80% of its fall market product mix ready for purchase. "If a buyer comes back here for two nights, they want you to be close to market ready," said Doug Bassett, chief operating officer.
He added that the company is optimistic about this fall after the relatively strong Labor Day sales activity at retail.
Case goods importer Casana had 100% of its High Point product mix in its showroom at Premarket, including eight new bedroom groups. Dealer response was strong, said Roger Friesen, president and CEO.
"Dealers are pretty positive," he said. "A lot of them say they had a good Labor Day weekend and they are optimistic that business is improving."
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