Shoppe Object Returns to HPMKT & Continues to Build Community

November 12, 2024  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

“We wrapped our third edition of Shoppe Object High Point on Tuesday, and the community we are building in North Carolina continues to surprise, delight, and inspire. We have always worked to encourage and support a sense of connection among our participating brands, and there’s such camaraderie developing among our participants in High Point, coalescing around an artisan approach to product design and development."

"The launch of our Shoppe Talks series providing a space twice daily for communal conversations around the intersection of art and design, really exemplified that spirit under the direction of our Shoppe Talks co-host, Blue Spiral 1 Gallery of Asheville. I’m particularly proud of the fundraising efforts, made possible by the generous donations of our brands, which raised in excess of $10,000 to help artisans and makers in western North Carolina communities that suffered damages and loss during Hurricane Helena. All of us at Shoppe Object are so encouraged by the continued growth we are seeing in High Point — in attendance, dialogue, activation and new business. We’re looking forward to continued engagement with both our core community, and with local artisans throughout the region at the April market. Until then, we are laser-focused on the next edition of Shoppe Object in New York City, which will take place in early February at our brand-new home at the Starrett-Lehigh building!” reported Jesse James, founder & show director, Shoppe Object.

The combination of Shoppe Object’s brand curation, signature events, and activations drew a new audience, not only of retail buyers, but also interior designers who came to see High Point’s home-focused selection.

Attendees engaged with exceptional collections of returning exhibitors like Hangai Mountain Textiles, Serax, and Chilewich, alongside exciting new handcrafted furniture from Indonesia-based Seken Living and floor coverings from Fells Andes, Cicil, and Christian Rathbone. Standout features also included glasswork from Tyler Barry and Nate Cotterman; a one-of-a-kind ceramic installation by artists M.Quan, Lauren HB Studio, and Duo Luto; and an incredible selection of books for the home presented by world-renowned publishers Taschen, Phaidon, and Artbook.

HURRICANE RELIEF SILENT AUCTION & FUNDRAISER 

Recent flooding has left many talented artists, makers, and creatives in Western North Carolina without the resources they need to continue their craft and sustain their livelihoods. Shoppe Object turned its annual party at COHAB.SPACE’s unique venue into an artist benefit with live reggae from Spiritual Foundation the evening of Saturday, October 26th. They also hosted a silent auction throughout the show at Historic Market Square where guests bid on unique pieces generously donated by their partners, raising over $10,000 to directly benefit the local artisan community affected by Hurricane Helene. 

SHOPPE TALKS

Presented in partnership with Asheville, North Carolina-based Blue Spiral 1, Shoppe Object launched the ‘Shoppe Talks’ series of twice-daily conversations for designers, artists, makers, creators, and enthusiasts. Some of the dynamic topics included: curating for happy clients; trendspotting: art, fashion & interiors; the intersection of art & design; and more.

CUSTOM SCENT BAR

Vessel Candle Studio debuted an interactive ‘scent bar’ throughout Shoppe Object at High Point where guests crafted their own custom candle scent, participating in a sensory experience and learning more about the emotional impact of the olfactory system.

LIVE POTTERY DEMONSTRATIONS

Highlighting local craft, Shoppe Object invited the Seagrove Potters, the largest collective of working potters in the United States, for wheel throwing and pot painting demonstrations by talented craftsmen throughout the show. Seagrove, North Carolina’s rich ceramic history pre-dates European settlers, with Native potters creating functional and ceremonial objects using the region’s abundant natural clay deposits.

Shoppe Object now looks towards its upcoming show in New York City. After six successful years at Pier 36 and the addition of Skylight at Essex Crossing, Shoppe Object has grown into its next chapter and will bring the Winter 2025 show back under one roof in the magnificent Starrett-Lehigh Building in West Chelsea Feb 2-4, marking a new era for the celebrated event.

For more information about Shoppe Object, please visit shoppeobject.com or follow @ShoppeObject on social media.