The Segway Human Transporter will make its debut at the Market Square Courtyard on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Market. Free test rides will be offered to all retailers and manufacturers from 9 a.m. — 5 p.m., October 16—18, 2003. Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI), manager of Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and National Furniture Mart, welcomes the Segway to the October High Point Market. From the Courtyard, retailers and manufacturers will be able to take a free test drive and Segways will also be available for rental for those who are interested.

"We are so excited to introduce the Segway in out Courtyard this Market. We wanted to give Market attendees a new, entertaining twist this October," said Ann Richards, director of marketing, MMPI. "Because there is more than 11 million square feet of resources in High Point — which translates into miles of walking — we think Segway  will be a great mode of transportation for some — and fun for others just to test drive."

MMPI, through Relay, a rental franchise company partnering with Segway, offers 10 Segway Human Transporters for attendees to try during the Market. Retailers and manufacturers are able to sign out the Segways after a brief 15-minute training session at the Market Square Courtyard. The Segway Human Transporter, the first machine of its kind, has the ability to move faster and carry more, allowing people to commute, shop and run errands more efficiently and productively. This self-balancing personal transportation device is designed to go anywhere people do. For more information about Segway, visit www.segway.com.

Dates for future International Home Furnishings Markets in High Point, NC:
• April 22—28, 2004
• October 14—20, 2004