High Point Premarket Given New Life

March 8, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on March 2007 A move to revitalize and reinvent premarket in High Point is underway with support from the High Point Market Authority and the backing by a number of heavy hitters in the manufacturing segment.

A new premarket concept will be held Aug. 22-25 as an invitation-only event created for the industry’s largest manufacturers and retailers. Brian Casey, president and chief executive officer of the market authority and spokesperson for the group pushing to legitimize the event, said shifts in the industry demand premarket’s purpose be adjusted “to meet the needs of leading retailers and exhibitors here in High Point.”

The news comes on the heels of a less-than-vibrant premarket last week.

“Our focus is to ensure that we continue to maintain the High Point Market’s core competency as the preeminent market for important product introductions, with the broadest array of new product available anywhere,” Casey said.

Previously, premarket was an informal, unsanctioned event in which retailers and manufacturers came to High Point for early product reviews. Neither the City of High Point nor any other organization ever emerged as a sponsor for premarket.

Moving forward, premarket will encompass two days twice a year. In addition to an opening reception the night before, each morning will begin with a breakfast and panel discussion, followed by showroom visits. The evenings’ social events will include a formal cocktail reception and dinner for principles and a second more informal reception and dinner for all attendees whether retailer, manufacturer, marketing executives or sales representatives.

“What you understood as premarket will no longer exist,” Casey said. “Our goal is to deliver the greatest value to the retailers in attendance, and that involves the preview of fully realized product introductions.”

The plan is that suppliers will present product in market-ready condition. No sketches; no partial collections.

“We’ve spoken to many of our customers and they’ve told us that if the event is executed as we envision, this new premarket would absolutely meet their needs. It’s a concept they will fully embrace,” said Kevin O’Connor, chief executive of Samson Marketing, a member of the organizing group.

Home Meridian International is also a participant.

“The feedback has been clear: The time has come for a more organized and structured model that involves retailers in a successful, valued and memorable experience,” said George Revington, president and chief executive of Home Meridian.

Each of the participating manufacturers will contribute to the cost of the semi-annual event in order to provide transportation, meals, entertainment and networking options.

Premarket will not be underwritten by the market authority. As a publicly funded group, its funds are specifically earmarked for the High Point Market.

“We will contribute resources to the coordination of the event, because a successful premarket ultimately supports and strengthens the High Point Market and its leadership role ...,” Casey said.

In addition to Samson and Home Meridian, the following companies are part of the organizing group:



Wynwood/DMI;

Vaughn Furniture;

Huntington;

Progressive/Royal Patina;

Schnadig Corp.;

Magnussen;

SLF/Pulaski;

La-Z-Boy;

Stanley;

Rivers Edge;

Primo International;

Legacy;

Bernhardt;

Hooker Furniture;

Universal;

Casana/Palliser;

Trade Masters;

Vaughn-Bassett;

Kincaid;

England;

Hammary;

Riverside;

The International Home Furnishings Center; and

Merchandise Mart Properties.