WithIt and AspenHome To Host Trends Forecast In High Point

Furniture World Magazine

WithIt, the organization dedicated to the support and development of female professionals in the home industries, and AspenHome, a Furniture Values International company, will host this season’s trend forecast at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC. WithIt’s Competitive Intelligence event takes place Saturday, April 29th, 6:00- 8:00 p.m., in the AspenHome showroom, IHFC, Main wing, 13th floor. The event is open to all market attendees and includes refreshments. A panel discussion entitled, “Macro & Micro Trends of the Market: Understanding the difference and what it means to your business,” will be moderated by Jena Hall, vice president, marketing, AspenHome. Panels members include: Ellen Gefen, Gefen Productions (trade and media); Christy Johnson, Maitland Smith (manufacturing); Claire Goldhagen, Robb & Stucky (retail); Betty Lyn Eller, Country Living magazine (shelter publications); and Britt Albright, Henredon Furniture (manufacturing). From unique perspectives, panel members will begin with a recap of market and business trends, small and large, and how these impact the home furnishings industry. An open discussion with audience participants will follow. “It’s not enough to look at finished product trends,” says Jena Hall, moderator for the event. “We need to understand the underlying reason behind the trend. Upholstery designs may be influenced by the price of foam and new styles of architecture, for example.” Founded in 1997, WithIt provides educational and mentoring programs to benefit hundreds of participants and corporate sponsors annually. Held during the furniture markets, Competitive Intelligence was initiated by WithIt as a way to uncover trends, share at-market findings and provide networking opportunities,