Notes From October 2010 North Carolina Market

The semi-annual trip to the international home furnishings market in High Point, NC is both a reunion of friends and a revitalization of business. If you are in the furniture industry, a trip to the market tells much about who's hot and who's not. You can feel it in the showrooms and see it in the eyes of the reps and factory people. Those that are growing are energetic and excited. Those that are holding on hoping for a miracle are not.

One of the most energetic places at market this year is at the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association's (IHFRA) offices - the rep trade organization. During market, there are guys and gals in the offices all the time stopping by to say hi, renewing friendships, and best of all signing up new members. Despite an incredibly tough economy over the last two years, IHFRA has grown its membership over 50% and now exceeds 1,600 members.

This is one of the most exciting stories of the year for our industry that you probably not aware of. How many other companies or organizations in our industry have grown by 50%?

I see the 75th anniversary rep pin everywhere at market. You can't miss it - it's so big! The fact that reps display the pin on their lapels does speak well of the Association as one of the largest organizations in the furniture industry.

As a member of the organization, when I see a guy wearing the pin, I know he faces similar challenges coordinating the needs of factories and retailers to try and make our industry a better place. I also know that many reps are an overlooked element in the furniture distribution chain. But with the growth of the trade organization to over 1,600 members, we can be a powerful voice to help the furniture industry prosper.

The tireless work of Kathy and Jennifer to continue to bring great benefits to our membership base is one of the reasons we have increased membership this year alone by almost 200 members. If you are not a member, call the office at (336) 889-3920 and find out what you are missing.

Over the next couple of weeks I would like to highlight rep success stories from market. Please send me your stories and I'll put them together into a column or series of columns depending on who sends me what. Send your stories to meroot@mikeroot.com.

Please post any positive comments about IHFRA below. Thanks