By all accounts, 2008 will be a challenge for many in the home furnishings industry. In terms of shoring up relationships, garnering early commitments and securing distribution, there is little doubt that the Pre-Market participants will be positioned better than most.
Brian D. Casey, President and CEO, High Point Market Authority

The original group of 16 furniture manufacturers that plan the officially unofficial High Point Furniture Pre-Market has grown to 25 companies including Rowe, Natuzzi and DeCoro Leather, as well as Bernhardt, Hekman and AspenHome. Spring 2008 Pre-Market, scheduled for March 3-4, 2008.

Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive of the High Point Market Authority, says Pre-Market is enjoying a renaissance. “By all accounts, 2008 will be a challenge for many in the home furnishings industry. In terms of shoring up relationships, garnering early commitments and securing distribution, there is little doubt that the Pre-Market participants will be positioned better than most.”

As Kevin O’Connor, chief executive of Samson Marketing, parent company of Legacy Classic and Universal Furniture, said, “You come to Pre-Market to see the best, from the biggest and the best, and it’s good for both the manufacturers and the retailers. I need my best customers to come in and preview our product. They are our eyes and ears with consumers and their input is invaluable to us. We can’t reinvent an entire group or collection in the four or five-week period between Pre-Market and Market, but we can certainly enhance our offering during that time with input from our customers.”

William Colgrove, chief executive of Aspen Home, agrees. “Pre-Market has restored the prior practices of the industry and we’re excited about our participation. Anytime you see the leaders of the industry gathering together it’s exciting, and Pre-Market does this in a big way. I’m all for gathering together as frequently as we can.”

Paul Toms, Jr., chairman and chief executive of Hooker Furniture, agrees, “Anytime you get the largest retailers and manufacturers together it’s important to the industry."

“Participation in Pre-Market is open to any High Point Market exhibitor that wishes to comply with the organizing manufacturers’ mandate: The presentation of product in Market-ready condition,” O’Connor sums. “Others may participate unofficially by merely opening their showrooms, but will not be included in any pre-event promotions encouraging retailers to attend, or the social/networking functions planned for the event, such as the opening night reception. Our goal is not to be exclusive, but to deliver the greatest value to the retailers in attendance and that requires the ability to preview fully realized product introductions.”