RESCHEDULED! Northeast Furniture Market | Aug. 1 - 3, 2021
Every year, we look forward to connecting the Furniture Industry in-person at the Northeast Furniture & Accessory Market. But given concerns surrounding COVID-19, we’ve made the decision to postpone the event.
This was a difficult call to make – the Northeast Furniture Market is an incredibly important event for the Industry here in the Northeast -- but we needed to prioritize the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, and partners who help make the market a success.
Here's the Good News...
We were able to secure the dates of August 1 - 3, 2021 this year to showcase the region's many wholesale suppliers of furniture, bedding, and home decor!
In the meantime, thanks for your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times -- and we look forward to welcoming you to the Northeast Furniture & Accessory Market, August 1 - 3, 2021 in Edison!.
See you at the Show!
Kevin
Kevin McLaughlin
Show Director
MAC Expos, LLC
732-449-4019
IMC reschedules 2021 Las Vegas Markets
LAS VEGAS – International Market Centers has pushed back dates for next year’s Las Vegas Markets due to a shift timing for High Point Market, as well as ongoing travel and government restrictions in the western United States.
Originally planned in January and July, Las Vegas Market’s 2021 dates have been pushed back to April 11-15 and Aug. 22-26, respectively. IMC’s 2021 markets in Atlanta for Gift & Home and Apparel will run as scheduled.
“We have opted to postpone the winter Las Vegas Market in connection with Governor Sisolak’s recent extension of Nevada’s ‘statewide pause’ and in consideration of stay-at-home orders currently impacting travel for key western states,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO. “HPMA’s decision to change High Point Market from April to June further affirms our decision and allows us to shift the winter Las Vegas Market into April.
“We also will alter our summer Las Vegas Market dates from July to August to allow enough time between the April Las Vegas Market, new June High Point Market dates and our summer market in Las Vegas. Our Las Vegas showrooms, including the Las Vegas Design Center, remain open for business by appointment for buyers.”
IMC will contact all buyers pre-registered for winter Las Vegas Market to communicate the change and to assist with adjustment of their plans. As an added benefit, the summer Las Vegas Market runs concurrently with HD Expo (Aug. 24-25, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas) and ASD (Aug. 22-25, at the Las Vegas Convention Center), giving buyers and exhibitors additional cross-market opportunities.
Maricich noted MC’s gift and home furnishings events in Atlanta – as well as IMC’s Atlanta Apparel Markets in February, April, June, August, September and October – remain unchanged by the High Point and Las Vegas date shifts.
“Our decision to maintain current timing and format of the events in Atlanta was informed by feedback from buyers and tenants as well as recent experience safely and successfully hosting eight markets for the Southeastern region at AmericasMart.t,” he said.
Governed by IMC’s Together Safely protocols for markets and events, IMC safely and successfully produced 11 markets from June through November 2020. IMC’s industry-setting standards include contactless registration procedures, mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), expanded sanitization and the implementation of social distancing and traffic control measures. IMC also continues to actively monitor guidance from public health and government officials.
“As physical markets continue to be impacted directly, or indirectly by COVID-19, IMC will continue to be agile and adapt to local conditions and industry feedback,” said Maricich. “While physical market dates may shift in some cities, we will continue to connect buyers and sellers virtually through our market websites and communications. In spring 2021, we will extend our year-round value with the launch of JuniperMarket, a new B2B e-commerce platform, powered by IMC_Digital Innovations division for the gift, home furnishings and apparel industries.”
A complete list of IMC markets is in this release.
High Point Market Authority Postpones Spring 2021 Market Until June
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ashley D. Grigg Director of Marketing & Communications ashley@highpointmarket.org 336.888.3236
High Point Market Authority Postpones Spring 2021 Market Until June
HIGH POINT, N.C., December 15, 2020 — The High Point Market Authority announces a date change for the upcoming Spring 2021 Market. Originally scheduled for April 17-21, Spring Market is postponed until June 5-9, 2021.
“We are encouraged by the recent headlines about COVID-19 vaccines, but realistic about its impact on a spring timeframe, as the rollout will be slow. Coupled with the reality within our industry regarding supply shortages and manufacturing/shipping disruptions, the board of directors agreed it would be most beneficial to delay Spring Market until June,” commented Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority.
A called board meeting took place on December 14 to discuss the potential date change upon receiving the suggestion from several exhibitors. The Market Authority’s board of directors voted unanimously to approve the shift.
“While our safety measures proved effective this past fall, allowing more time this upcoming spring for the pandemic situation to improve and travel restrictions to ease makes sense. The industry will also benefit from a few additional weeks for product manufacturing and shipping,” commented Dudley Moore, Jr., chairman of the Market Authority’s board of directors and president of Otto & Moore. “Our paramount objective of prioritizing the health and safety of both industry members and the High Pointcommunity remains, while also allowing us to continue supporting ongoing business.”
Registration for the Spring 2021 Market will open in late February at www.highpointmarket.org. The Fall 2021 Market dates remain as scheduled for October 16-20.
About the High Point Market Authority
The High Point Market Authority, www.highpointmarket.org, is the official sponsor and organizer of the High Point Market in High Point, N.C. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style, and price point, and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 100 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry. Find the High Point Market anywhere online, and follow on social media using the hashtag #hpmkt.
SBA offers total forgiveness for loans of $50,000 or less
SBA offers total forgiveness for loans of $50,000 or less, helping PPP small-business borrowers
If you borrowed $50,000 or less, your loan’s forgiven — period. But will you owe taxes?
Business owners who borrowed $50,000 or less through the Small Business Administration’s emergency loan program learned last week that their debts are forgiven entirely — provided they file the right paperwork.
But accountants are urging costumers to hold off applying for forgiveness to see if the government further sweetens the pot.
The Small Business Administration and U.S. Treasury issued the new guidance for small-business borrowers with loans of $50,000 or less under the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP.
The PPP loans were included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which Congress passed earlier this year to provide emergency assistance for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Blog: In appreciation of industry’s great sales reps
This pandemic has made us appreciate many folks that are often ignored in normal days. Of course, there are the healthcare workers who are exposed to the pandemic dangers, the emergency workers, the volunteers and then there are the people stocking the shelves at necessary retailers, the folks making deliveries to our homes and, of course, the people who stock liquor stores.
In the furniture and mattress industries, we are thankful for those many workers who have returned to work and are helping us get our merchandise so needed by our customers.
READ MORE
70% of High Point Market Exhibitors Confirm Open Status for Fall Market 2020
Attendees wanting to see which showrooms have confirmed open can visit the Exhibitor section of the High Point Market website, www.highpointmarket.org/exhibitor, and look for the golden “Confirmed Open” verbiage on an exhibitor’s profile. They can also check the “Confirmed Open for Fall 2020 Market” filter to hide any profiles who haven’t confirmed they’ll be open.
During Market, the High Point Market app will list only exhibitors who have confirmed they will be open.
“We’ve found the great majority of our major lines will be present this Market, and we are excited to see what they have for us,” shared Cheryl Kees Clendenon, owner and lead designer of In Detail Interiors. “This may even stimulate us to try new lines. We always make sure to open one new line each Market, but this time we might explore even more new options.”
“Due to the recent increase in consumer demand for home furnishings, we are not surprised by this strong showing of open showrooms. We expect buyers in attendance will be ready to do business when they get here, and we’re pleased there will be plenty of open showrooms to welcome them,” said Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “The industry shared with us early on in this planning cycle they greatly needed this in-person buying opportunity. We have worked tirelessly to create a plan that would allow such to happen within the current health and safety guidelines outlined by health officials.”
“High Point Market is huge for us a retailer and full-service design firm. Before April, I had been to 19 consecutive Markets. With clients, retail customers, a team of 7, and designers I consult with counting on us to come back from High Point with the latest and greatest, we’re definitely coming!,” added Clendenon. “With lots of masks and hand sanitizer, of course.”
Even though a few exhibitors have yet to log into their profiles and indicate their Fall Market status, only 128 permanent exhibitors have shared they will not be open this October.
Fall Market is set to kick off on Tuesday, October 13. The extended, 9-day show will operate with a multitude of safety measures in place to align with the current health guidelines from the CDC and the State of North Carolina. It will culminate on Wednesday, October 21.
About the High Point Market Authority
The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor and organizer of the High Point Market in High Point, N.C. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style, and price point, and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 100 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry. Find the High Point Market online at www.highpointmarket.org, and follow on social media using the hashtag #hpmkt.
Home News Now Guest blog: Reflections post Premarket
Strong demand favors strongest retail partners and other takeaways from the record event
Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher, hit the nail on the head when he noted that the only constant in life is change. Nowhere was that more obvious than at this week’s Premarket.
In the not so distant past, 70-80 exhibitors would open their doors, a relatively small group of retailers would come to get first dibs on products that were scheduled to officially debut a month later at market and that was pretty much that.
Not anymore.
Thanks to the Covid-19 virus and a related concern that the virus might eliminate next month’s market, more that 320 exhibitors turned the lights on this week for Premarket with most saying they played to packed houses.
READ MORE
Ray Allegrezza
Here's What Furniture Retailers Are Thinking:
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IHFRA Weighs In With HNN
Guest blog: Reflections post Premarket
Strong demand favors strongest retail partners and other takeaways from the record event
Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher, hit the nail on the head when he noted that the only constant in life is change. Nowhere was that more obvious than at this week’s Premarket.
In the not so distant past, 70-80 exhibitors would open their doors, a relatively small group of retailers would come to get first dibs on products that were scheduled to officially debut a month later at market and that was pretty much that.
Not anymore.
Thanks to the Covid-19 virus and a related concern that the virus might eliminate next month’s market, more that 320 exhibitors turned the lights on this week for Premarket with most saying they played to packed houses.
Here at the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assm. (IHFRA), we opened our doors during Premarket as well, mostly to be present in the event our members needed us while in town for what historically has been pretty much a two-day event.
We got the chance to speak with a number of reps who stopped by our office during the event to grab a mask, some hand sanitizer or a bottle of water and snacks.
Here is a brief summary of their take on Premarket, business in general as well as their predictions for the upcoming October furniture market.
Fall High Point Market Prep Continues as Product Demand Increases
HIGH POINT, N.C., September 17, 2020 — High Point Market Authority officials, building owners, and exhibitors are busily preparing for the upcoming Fall Market, scheduled for October 13-21, as consumer demand for home furnishings continues to increase.
The latest Furniture Insights newsletter from Smith Leonard Accountants and Consultants notes, “New orders in June were 30% ahead of June 2019,” and, “New orders were up for 73% of the participants.”
“We have blown away all June-July-August sales records,” said Mac Cooper, CEO for Uttermost. “After a couple slow months in the spring, we are already up for the year, and momentum has never been higher.”
Thibaut’s CMO Stacy Senior Allan echoes the sentiment. “We have seen growth in sales above last July and August, and we are pleased with the rebound since April. We are preparing for a healthy fall.”
Both of these exhibitors plan to show in person at the fall High Point Market, following safety guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NC Department of Health and Human Services, and the #HPMKTsafe Initiative.
“High Point Market is the only US trade show where we can connect with our clients and solidify our relationships that we have developed over the years. We love to get direct input from our audience on new products and even designs that are soon to be launched,” said Allan. “We are excited to launch all planned 2020 collections and will be previewing our new tapes and trim offering in our showroom.”
“Given High Point’s layout over 13-city blocks in various different buildings, we are uniquely positioned to be able to follow all of the outlined safety guidelines and still offer the in-person buying interactions our industry desperately needs at this time,” said Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “We are also geographically positioned well, with a large percentage of the industry living close or within driving distance.”
Working closely with state and local health officials, Market Authority officials are communicating the current safety guidelines to building owners and exhibitors through ongoing emails, Zoom calls, webinars, direct calls, and the website.
“High Point showrooms fall under the safety guidelines for retail, so right now, showrooms can be open at 50% capacity,” noted Conley. “The showrooms and buildings will be monitoring their capacity limits closely, and we’ll be doing the same on our transportation systems. Coupled with other safety measures such as required face coverings and daily health checks, enhanced cleaning, and social distancing, we feel prepared for Market to take place safely this October.”
In addition to an abundance of safety measures, buyers attending Fall Market can expect plenty of new product introductions and open showrooms. The recently launched What’s New webpage, www.highpointmarket.org/products-and-trends/whats-new, provides an overview of available new product details, including articles, product previews, and over 500 new product image submissions.
A new filter has been added to the Exhibitor search feature of www.highpointmarket.org to highlight exhibitors who have confirmed they will be open for Fall Market, and only confirmed open showrooms will be filtered to the exhibitor listing in the High Point Market app. Appointments are strongly encouraged for showroom visits, with many exhibitors requiring such.
Beyond scheduling appointments, buyers can find a checklist for preparing for Fall Market at www.highpointmarket.org/HPMKTsafe/how-to-prepare, and an overview of the planned safety measures and requirements at www.highpointmarket.org/HPMKTsafe/keeping-you-safe.
“With the demand for home furnishings currently at record-breaking levels, and given that our industry has not been able to meet for High Point Market since last October, we are thankful for the exhaustive efforts of our state and local health community to help us create an environment in which necessary business interactions can take place safely this fall. It’s vital for moving our industry forward and meeting the current consumer demand,” added Conley.
