The High Point Market Authority reported that registrations held steady, attitudes were upbeat and activity was brisk at Fall Market 2009, despite the challenging economy and the industry’s over-crowded tradeshow calendar.
 
In a video news release (available for viewing via YouTube at http://bit.ly/2w6Uex or at the Market’s site http://bit.ly/UeU7C ), Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority, reports that 75,329 home furnishings professionals registered for the recent Market. Of these registrants, more than half—43,895—were buyers.
 
“I’m particularly pleased to report that almost 3,000 registrants returned to High Point this Fall for the first time in three or more markets, and 2,635 more visited High Point for the first time ever,” Casey relates.
 
Additionally, more than 1,600 international buyers representing 668 buying organizations from around the world registered for Fall Market 2009, as did 14,749 designers who came together in the world’s home for home furnishings to explore the newest ideas in home furnishings.
 
“Buyers are searching for ways to get their businesses moving again and a trip to the High Point Market is the most efficient, and cost-effective way to do that,” Casey says. “They realize that new products and ideas are imperative if they are going to lure consumers back into the marketplace, and that the best place to make these connections is the High Point Market.” 
 
HPMA noted that excitement was evident across the Market as thousands of new products were introduced this season. From major licensed collections, to celebrities and the celebrated, designs were unveiled in every conceivable category, style and price point. “In many cases, inventories have been depleted so we saw that the appetite for buying was stronger than we’ve seen in recent markets,” Casey says. “We also noticed a significant change in attitudes. People are beginning to see signs of improvement where the economy is concerned and they tended to be more upbeat in their outlook, both about their businesses and the Market itself.”
 
Networking events and educational seminars were also well attended, as Market-goers clamored for the latest business-building ideas.
 
“Fall Market week was a whirl of special events inside and outside the showrooms, from great entertainment to important industry competitions like the Pinnacle Awards and the Third Annual Showroom Competition, and the Gala Centennial Celebration,” Casey describes. “From the grand opening of the new Market Media Center and opening press event featuring Thom Filicia and Alexa Hampton, to WithIt’s Competitive Intelligence event with Karim Rashid, the industry’s creative nerve center was humming this Market.
 
“We’ve been working hard to improve the High Point Market experience for all concerned,” Casey says, “and rest assured we’re not letting up for a second. As the Market’s first century comes to a close, we committed to continually expanding, improving and securing the High Point Market’s position as the home furnishings industry’s most important domestic and international event.”
 
About the High Point Market Authority: The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor of the High Point Market in High Point, North Carolina. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style and price point and attracting thousands of visitors from more than 110 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry.