High Point Market Reports Registration Figures

November 13, 2008  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Display on November 2008 Buyer registrations at the High Point Market’s October event totaled 44,634, a 6 percent decline from the previous event. Organizers said the lower figure was expected, given the uncertain economy, and said registrants include 8,844 buyers who signed up for Market for the first time and another 2,107 who registered after absences of a year or more.

“From the softened housing market to bloated inventories, tightening credit and the meltdown on Wall Street, home furnishings professionals across the industry have been struggling to cope with some of the most difficult business conditions they have ever encountered, and Market registrations reflect this,” said Brian Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority. “Across all categories, and all facets of the business, we are seeing unprecedented change. Our industry is contracting and consolidating in ways never before experienced.”

He said thousands for furniture stores have shut their doors over the past five years.

“At the High Point Market, we’re focusing on attracting new buying organizations and constituencies such as interior designers,” Casey said. “At the same time, we’re reaching out to buyers who have not registered in some time and encouraging them to experience all the changes that we have instituted throughout the past two years.”

Including exhibitors, sales personnel and other attendees, registrations totaled 76,403, a decline of 7 percent, at the Oct. 20-26 event.