By Tom Inman
Furniture manufacturers at the Spring 2024 High Point Market, in High Point, NC, reported significant order-writing and interest in higher quality products.
The twice annual event had more than 1,200 companies exhibiting new and existing product lines to retail store buyers from across the U.S., Canada and a dozen other markets. The Spring market was estimated to attract more than 40,000 exhibitors and buyers to High Point after flat attendance in fall 2023.
The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) said it was the strongest spring market since Covid with attendance estimated up 1 percent from last April. HPMA officials said the number of larger retailers attending market increased 2 percent from the spring and the number of new buying companies is up 13.8 percent from last fall, representing more than 1,600 accounts.
International attendance was estimated to be up 4 percent from last April, with the highest attendance from Canada, Mexico and Central America as well as the Caribbean and the Middle East.
Interest in solid white oak furniture for dining, bedroom and home office categories was strong. Several domestic manufacturers like Century Furniture, Vaughan-Bassett Furniture and John-Richard expanded existing bedroom and dining groups in White Oak.
There were also introductions in American Cherry at market with natural or brown finishes. Several Amish companies like Millcraft and Fusion had new products available in Cherry with new finishes.
Vaughan-Bassett Furniture offered two bedroom groups and one dining room in its Artisan & Post line in Cherry. The natural finishes were well-received by buyers.
The Virginia manufacturer re-entered the dining room category with tables, chairs and buffets. Vaughan-Bassett utilizes the former Webb Furniture factory in Galax, VA, for manufacturing.
Cherry was seen in other showrooms and exhibitors said buyers had interest in the natural and brown finishes. Designers said the look of cherry and new finishes were attracting retailers and interior designers.
Bassett Furniture had new pieces and emphasized a mixed container shipping program to retailers that offered solid wood products from international sources and upholstery motion chairs from Vietnam. The pieces were made from American Hardwoods and engineered wood.
Other companies had large introductions that appealed to buyers. One company had 18 new bedrooms and 50 new dining sets made from solids and engineered wood that focused on middle and lower price points.
The next High Point Market is set for Oct. 26-30, 2024.
For more information, visit www.appalachianhardwood.org.
