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Live from High Point
October 3, 2007
We're in downtown High Point, N.C. this week at the High Point Furniture Market. I have to be honest with you, there isn't a huge crowd in town. I haven't heard official numbers, but in talking with vendors here they're saying traffic is off.
Some say they're seeing "quality" buyers and are writing orders. Others are wondering if this is a sign of things to come.
Despite the slower pace, there are some new products out there. Though we're only three days into the show, here's what I've noticed so far.
1. Manufacturers are being conservative both with their designs and number of SKUs.
2. The style pendulum is swinging back to more traditional looks. In the last 12-18 months modern, contemporary looks and dark finishes were all the rage, and yes, they're still popular, but this market brought a snow storm of white furniture with a decidedly more traditional look. Pulaski, Standard and Young America each bowed sweet white girls' groups.
3. Two-tone looks also seem popular. Black or white cases topped with cherry, like the Shaker collection at Vaughn Bassett, were attractive.
4. As far as marquee names, Powell is drawing attention with its licensed LittleMissMatched collection and Canyon Furniture bowed its Disney licensed Hannah Montana line. Both groups, obvioulsy, are aimed at the tween girl market but are quite distinctive.
I'm heading back out to see what else the market has to offer. Check the November issue for our official High Point wrap up.
Posted by Lisa Casinger on October 3, 2007 | Comments (3)
