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Shoeshines, elevators signal better High Point Market

Jerry Epperson -- Furniture Today, November 18, 2011

Jerry Epperson An insider’s view Jerry EppersonLet me start by saying I have had only one bad High Point Market and that was when my sister passed away during the October 1998 show. I have enjoyed all the others dating back to 1967, my first, when I was still in college. Back then the University of Virginia was not yet coed and we still wore coats and ties to class.
     My markets are structured into several necessary visits. First, to see paying clients; second, to see potential paying clients; third, to learn what is going on with as many products, price points, and routes of retail distribution that I can; fourth, to see what is really new and different; and fifth, to visit with friends. Fortunately, the friends can also be at points one through four.
     Throughout the show, people ask, "How is the market?" Answering this before the end is always dangerous.
     Friday was OK, and I visited retailers, all looking for something that looks new. Saturday was depressing. Where was everybody? Sunday was better, but not much.
     Monday was great. Elevators were crowded and hard to get on board. Several times I went up to go down or vice versa after seeing elevator after elevator full. Of course, I try not to be rude and just crash on board but it is tempting.
     By the way, anyone who complains about full elevators incurs my wrath. It is wonderful to have that "problem."
     Tuesday was almost as good, and Wednesday was surprisingly strong. Thanks to everyone who took the trek to High Point. It was great to see you.
     I was worried because of the sloppy economy and the beautiful weather. Decades ago I was taught that good weather filled the golf courses, not the showrooms.
     There were lot of new styles and looks this market, not just variations of what someone else was selling like has been typical in recent years. Youth furniture got a lot of attention as did outdoor furniture, which is making a comeback in High Point. Speaking of comebacks, the mattress sector was well represented with many new offering and programs.
     A couple of final observations, if I may. First, what happend to Parker's News? They were my source for foreign magazines and Yoo-hoo chocolate drinks. Second, my sincere thanks go once again to the staff at the Best Western, the former Radisson, at Commerce and Main. They treat us like family whenever we visit.
     Want confirmation that it was a good market? The gentleman giving shoeshines at the Commerce entrance to the IHFC was busy all market. During the recession, he wasn't. How much more scientific can you get than that?

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