We all know that the complexion of the industry is changing, and we all feel the loss when traditional furniture retailers close their doors. However, we’re also seeing the emergence of new distribution channels for home furnishings, and the results were clearly in evidence at this Market.
Brian D. Casey, President and CEO, High Point Market Authority

When all was said and done, the High Point Market’s central registration system issued 85,708 badges for Spring Market 2007.

“We are pleased with these results on several fronts, beginning with the number of international retailers represented in the final tally,” says Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority. Indeed, some 671 buying organizations from around the globe registered to attend Market in the world’s home for home furnishings.

“While we continue to enjoy significant response from Canada, Mexico and South America, it’s interesting to note that more than half of the badges issued to international retailers went to companies in Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East and Asia,” Casey reports. “This was clearly a direct result of our ongoing outreach efforts in these regions and we expect the number of international buyers to increase exponentially as we move forward, particularly in light of our new International Buyer Program (IBP) designation by the U.S. Department of Commerce.”

According to Casey, the bulk of the badges issued this Spring went to buyers (47,109), while exhibitors and sales representatives requested 31,617 badges. Some 5,433 industry passes were issued to suppliers, along with 790 passes for Market workers, which ranged from catering and food service staff to photographers. An additional 759 day passes were issued to students, guests and Market volunteers.

“Among the other statistics we’re particularly proud of this Market is the number of new buying organizations that registered to attend,” Casey reports. “We all know that the complexion of the industry is changing, and we all feel the loss when traditional furniture retailers close their doors. However, we’re also seeing the emergence of new distribution channels for home furnishings, and the results were clearly in evidence at this Market. In fact, 2,285 buying organizations that haven’t visited High Point in the past registered to attend this Spring. 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.”