New Exhibitors and Expansions Attract Retailers to Tupelo Market

June 10, 2016  by in Industry, Special Events   

"The economy is getting better and there has been a notable difference in the furniture industry," said Kevin J. Seddon, president of the Tupelo Furniture Market. "The housing market continues to improve and has remained relatively stable for awhile. This affects our industry positively." 

According to Seddon, many major manufacturers are increasing production and diversifying their product lines. Recently, well-known upholstery manufacturer United Furniture Industries expanded into casegoods. Conversely, Standard Furniture, a leading casegoods manufacturer successfully segued into upholstered furniture and began manufacturing Joanna Gaines new line of furniture, Magnolia Home. "This type of expansion and diversification is great for our industry and also for the Tupelo Furniture Market," continued Seddon.

In the last two years, the Tupelo Furniture Market has leased exhibit space to close to 200 new companies that had not shown in Tupelo before, or at least not in many years. "We have had great success attracting new business and bringing businesses back," explained Seddon. "United Furniture Industries, one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the country, signed a long-term agreement this past year with us and has already expanded their footprint in our facility by an additional 6,000 sq. ft. “A Design Resource Center has also been added, allowing residential designers and furniture retailers to find designer brands and fabrics and wall coverings .

Seddon indicated that Tupelo is experiencing growth in almost every sector of the furniture industry, explaining that the number of bedding manufacturers showing in Tupelo has grown to more than 41 companies. As a result, the August Tupelo market will hold a "Mattress Mania" promotion and many of the mattress and bedding companies will offer incentives that will greatly benefit retailers that show up and order at the event. He also noted growth in the rustic furniture sector and explained that the companies showcasing product in Tupelo now offer products that represent mid- and high-end price ranges.

Some of the industry's leading companies that have added Tupelo to their trade show recently include Bernards, Yosemite Home Décor, Brooklyn Bedding, Vermont Cedar Chair, and many more.

The more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space for the upcoming Tupelo Market is selling quickly; however, space is still available for the fall, August 18-21, 2016 event.