Let's all scream for High Point

Welcome to market! All signs are pointing to a hectic week punctuated by new showrooms, new exhibitors, new products and lots of screaming.
That's right, screaming. But don't worry, there's no cause for alarm unless you're an exhibitor offering products that don't scream value.
In a story appearing on the front page of this issue, Clint Engel, our talented senior retail editor, polled a number of retailers to get a sense of what they will be shopping for this week.
Most of the retailers told Clint that despite the still-sluggish housing market, their sales are improving and as a result, they are here looking for new goods to keep that momentum alive. Even so, they also said that consumers are still shopping hard for bargains and items offering strong price/performance ratios.
This is where the screaming comes in. Eric Easter, CEO of Top 100 Kittle's, said that he's on the lookout for products that "scream value" to the consumer. He'll spend a good chunk of market looking for opportunistic home furnishings buys that not only represent great values, but can also be shipped his way pronto.
Another retail icon, American Furniture Warehouse's Jake Jabs, a true master of the deal, told Clint of a similar strategy. Jabs has had great success with specials, closeouts and other opportunistic buys.
And speaking of deals, here's the real deal from the buyer's perspective. When they say they are shopping hard for deals, they are not only talking merely about opening-priced goods. What they are looking for is new and exciting furniture that "screams value" at every price point.
Now that we've hopefully helped you understand what retail buyers are thinking, I want to give you a heads-up regarding what consumers are thinking - at least in terms of what's important to them as they shop for stationary upholstery.
Thanks to our sponsor, Fairmont Designs, we once again partnered with HGTV and fielded a Consumer Views survey that spotlights shoppers' preferences in stationary upholstery. Topping their list, shoppers want comfort, durability and stain resistance, in that order. The report also will reveal what colors, patterns and styles most float their boats.
Here's hoping your market is a screaming success!