High Point Market Announces Slight Increase

April 15, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on April 2007 The High Point Market Authority reported on Friday that 85,708 badges were issued for last month’s spring market, include a sharp rise in international visitors and first-time visitors that officials credit to the authority’s ongoing outreach efforts. The number was up slightly from the 84,976 badges issued in October.

In a news release, Market Authority President and CEO Brian Casey said 47,109 badges were issued to buyers, including 671 international buying organizations. In addition, he said 2,285 buying organizations who had not visited High Point in the past registered for the spring market.

“We all know that the complexion of the industry is changing, and we all feel the loss when traditional furniture retailers close their doors,” he said. “However, we’re also seeing the emergence of new distribution channels for home furnishings and the results were clearly in evidence at this market.”

Referring to the more than 2,000 new buying organizations at market, Casey said, “This number is especially gratifying for the Market Authority team, because it demonstrates to us that people are responding positively to our outreach efforts and the many innovations and improvements we’ve instituted throughout the past year. We know that the feedback we’re receiving from these first-time visitors will be invaluable as we plan for the future.”