Twice a year we, along with roughly 2000 other exhibitors, head to High Point, NC for the Home Furnishings Market. As exhibitors, we are working around the clock for weeks leading up to Market. We spend that time making sure all of our new samples will be ready in time, inspecting new samples, traveling back and forth from our warehouse, which is 2 hours away, to our showroom to deliver the samples, painting walls, hanging artwork, tagging products, training sales people, setting up technology, and the list goes on.
But once market opens, we stay in one place-the showroom. We are there from 8am to 8pm every day because we are there for one reason- Sarreid. You, on the other hand, as a buyer are walking into the largest home furnishings event in the world. With over 12 million square feet of show space spread out across about 180 buildings. That is an overwhelming task to say the least! We want you to know that we have great empathy and respect for all of our designers and retailers who make the effort to attend market.
Balancing appointments, managing projects from afar, searching for the perfect items while meeting budget needs, trying out every piece to ensure comfort and function, photographing and sending to clients, researching new lines, and sometimes even bringing clients along for the ride. Oh, and let’s not forget the amount of walking that is involved! It’s exhausting and exhilarating at the same time but we do it twice every year because it is so worth it. Why is it worth it? Because you will be better equipped to grow your business.
5 Ways #HPMKT can grow your business:
- See What’s NEW
This would be the main reason people go to market. To stay ahead of the trends and to show your clients you are cutting edge. Sarreid unveiled over 100 new designs this market and while you can see them online, the artistry and details are always better in person.
2. Networking
Getting face to face with your suppliers and sales reps is a big key to success, especially if you have never met them outside of email. We work together as a team and deepening that relationship is important to us.
Day 1 of HPMKT was spent reconnecting with colleagues which made us all happy.
3. Get to know the product.
Getting to know the product is just as important as getting to know the people that are making it. Sitting in chairs to test the comfort or opening drawers and cabinet doors or discovering how many of our expandable dining tables work. This knowledge gives your clients confidence that you are making the right choices for their home and can prevent costly mistakes.
4. Exposure
At High Point Market there are many opportunities to rub elbows with editors of regional and national trade publications. There are also opportunities within #HPMKT to get recognized… think about Style Spotters. Attending market and meeting the right people can give your business an extra boost.
5. Get Reinvigorated
We all get stuck in the mundane tasks of everyday life and sometimes even Pinterest cannot help get our creative juices flowing. There is nothing like visiting High Point Showrooms to help get you reengaged and inspired. Something as simple as a color combination or mixing materials can cause a radical shift in thinking.
and planks mixed with High Back End Chairs and
more formal Square Back Side Chairs.