People who know us know that twice a year we head to High Point, North Carolina for the High Point Market. Each, spring and fall, we go there to see what is going on in the furniture industry. 75,000 designers, furniture dealers, manufacturers and buyers all meet up for the High Point Market.
There are 12 million square feet of showroom and exhibit space with 2,000 manufacturers showing their products, new introductions and designs. It is by far the world’s largest home furnishings market in the world.
Why do we go? To see the latest trends and what will be out in the next six months. Much like the fashion industry shows its fashion six months before it is available, many of the new design we’ve seen will not be available until fall.
High Point is to the furniture industry what Fashion Week is to the designer clothing industry, only slightly less glamorous with fewer celebrities. Although there are many famous designers there. We’ve seen Bunny Williams, Alexa Hampton, Mary McDonald, David Anthony Easton, Thom Filicia, Kelly Wearstler and many other famous people including Jane Seymour and a few other celebrities.
But most importantly, visiting these vendors, establishing relationships, seeing products, sitting in the upholstery and inspecting the casegoods is all part of our job description as interior designers. We must get to know the different manufacturers, lines, quality levels and test them for comfort and quality.
The best time to call us for new furniture, lighting or accessories is the weeks leading up to High Point Market. We make long lists of things we need to source and see. So mark your calendars for March and September to gove us a call before we head to High Point in April and October.
