The High Point Market Authority reported that retail buyers were feeling upbeat and business was brisk at the most recent High Point Market, Oct. 22-27, reflecting a new cautious optimism. Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority, reports that 75,859 home furnishings professionals registered for the recent Market. Of those registrants, 44,779 were buyers.
“Economic numbers were stronger in September, with housing starts up and gains in consumer spending for furniture,” Conley says. “In addition, many retailers had terrific Labor Day weekend sales, so inventories were depleted. We saw that the appetite for buying was stronger than we’ve seen in recent markets. Business was energetic, and this Market has positioned us well for future growth.”
Included in the numbers for the Fall Market:
- Total number of registrants was up 5% over April’s event, and 6% over October 2010
- Buyer registration was up 4% over April and 6% over the previous October
- International buyer registration was up 13% over April and 11% over fall market last year
- Registrations for interior designers were up 9% over April and 6% over October 2010
“I’m particularly pleased with the response for international buyers and interior designers,” Conley says. “We have worked hard to attract those buyers to Market Week, and our marketing efforts truly paid off at the October show.”
Conley added that the rise in overall attendance is also good news for the local community. “The city of High Point and the surrounding Triad area both rely on the revenue from each High Point Market. An increase of the total number of people at the Market means so much to the local economic engine.”
The Spring 2012 High Point Market is scheduled for April 21-26 and registration will open on Jan. 3. The Fall 2012 Market will be held Oct. 13-18.
About the High Point Market Authority: The High Point Market Authority, www.highpointmarket.org, is the official sponsor and organizer of the High Point Market in High Point, N.C. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style, and price point and attracting thousands of visitors from more than 106 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry.