High Point Market Authority Unveils Website Re-Design

Furniture World Magazine

The High Point Market website, www.highpointmarket.org, has undergone a significant transformation designed to enhance functionality and user experience. “The Market’s site has existed in its current form for a little more than four years without a substantive re-design,” says Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority. “The site was originally designed with an operational focus, and that functionality is still vitally important. However, our emphasis now is on providing the kind of content that gives retailers and manufacturers the tools necessary to grow their businesses.” Better reflecting High Point’s brand as a premier home furnishings Market, the site is designed to serve as a source of ideas and inspiration. Guest columns by thought leaders from throughout the home furnishings industry are archived here, as are clips from the weekly “High Point Market Live” video-cast. Moving forward, the Market’s weekly e-newsletters will also be archived on the website and can be found under the “Industry Insights” tab. Site visitors are invited to register on the home page to receive weekly updates. “Every week, we key into top consumer researchers and trends analysts to forecast the hot colors, fabrics and finishes for the season, and keep our e-news readers abreast of the latest changes in consumer lifestyles and best practices in business, as well as how to advance your sales with fashion-forward thinking,” says Casey. “Our goal is to be on the forefront of design advances and serve the industry as a valuable information source.” As before, site visitors will find a complete set of tools for planning their visit to High Point. The site’s newly enhanced navigation and functionality make it easier that ever to register for Market, book travel and accommodations, find the best showrooms and events and map a daily itinerary. Scott Williams, vice president of marketing strategy at Greensboro, NC-based Emisare, Inc., the creative force behind the site’s redesign, relates, “The HPMA team challenged us to produce a website that is representative of their brand position as the industry’s premier home furnishings event, and we believe, working collaboratively with Market, we achieved that goal. The High Point Market site is now a destination for the entire industry that provides both world-class content and functionality.” Visitors to the High Point Market site are also privy to special discounts on airfare and rental cars, as well as a complete listing of area accommodations, a restaurant guide and information about the free transportation system that serves the Market. And, “while time is running out, for those who act quickly, there are still some discounted hotel rooms to be had for Fall Market,” Casey adds. “The special sub-block program that we’ve orchestrated in conjunction with local hoteliers works on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier you make your reservations, the greater your opportunities are for saving money. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to visit www.highpointmarket.org and explore all the options.” About the High Point Market Authority: The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor of the High Point Market: The World’s Home for Home Furnishings. Featuring more than 2600 exhibitors and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 110 countries, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry.