High Point Market Moves Opening Day To Saturday

Furniture World News

The High Point Market Authority board of directors voted unanimously today to shift the pattern of the bi-annual Market’s opening and closing days. Effective with the Spring Market, April 25 to April 30, 2009, the High Point Market will encompass six days, officially opening on a Saturday and operating through the close of business on Thursday. These changes will not impact the 2008 Fall Market dates—October 20 to 26. According to Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive of the High Point Market Authority, the changes to Market’s schedule are being made to better accommodate the needs of better-end buyers, particularly interior designers, decorative accessories and gift dealers, and smaller independent retailers. “We have talked extensively with our customers and each of these constituencies has expressed a preference for shopping the High Point Market over a weekend,” Casey says. “Moving to a Saturday opening ensures that all customers will find all showrooms open and available to them, and staffed with the key executives and personnel they need to see in order to move business forward.” While Casey noted that the changes would have no significant impact on major exhibitors, he expects the high end to be well served by the new schedule. “The extraordinary offering of high end product available here in High Point is a key differentiator and critical component for our Market that is unavailable anywhere else in the world. These world class products are attracting an increasing number of interior designers, architects, home builders and specialty retailers here who appreciate the ability to shop, learn and absorb key fashion and design trends over the weekend and still have a productive work week in their stores and offices.” 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 tens of thousands of visitors from more than 110 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry.