Hall of Fame Moves Induction Celebration to June 6
The American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation has moved its Class of 2020 Induction Celebration, traditionally held during the October High Point Market, to Sunday, June 6 at the Sheraton Greensboro Four Seasons.
“We are moving our event along with the postponement of the April High Point Market to ensure that our 2020 Hall of Fame inductees will enjoy an evening worthy of the industry’s most prestigious honor,” says Caroline Hipple, president of the Foundation board of directors. “In an industry that thrives on relationships, the goal of our board is to create a safe, healthy world-class event for the family, business associates, peers, and members of the industry.
A.R.T. FURNITURE NAMES DOUG ROZENBOOM AS PRESIDENT
For Immediate Release Contact: Megan Streba, Director of Marketing mstreba@arthomefurnishings.com 828.429.9247
A.R.T. FURNITURE NAMES DOUG ROZENBOOM AS PRESIDENT
Ontario, CA (January 18, 2021)— A.R.T. Furniture, a division of Markor, is pleased to announce Doug Rozenboom to the position of president.
As president, Doug will be responsible for all company-wide operations including the coordination of busines activities among executive offices and the company’s High Point, NC showroom; customer service, warehouse and logistics functions located in Ontario, CA; and manufacturing and sourcing offices now fully based in Vietnam.
“Doug is a highly qualified industry veteran with rich and broad experience in multiple phases of our industry,” remarked Jeff Young, A.R.T. CEO. “Throughout the past year, Doug has played a critical role in the resurgence of the A.R.T. enterprise. Going forward, Doug is well positioned to oversee and direct the company’s continued expansion of its Vietnam case goods and upholstery manufacturing facilities.
“I’m honored to have this opportunity and look forward to sustaining the growth we have seen throughout 2020. The company is well-positioned as a relevant and preferred resource for higher style and exceptional value in the marketplace.” said Rozenboom.
Prior to his promotion, Doug has served for the past 2 1⁄2 years as A.R.T.’s Senior Vice President of Product Development and Merchandising. Young will continue his position as C.E.O for A.R.T. and Chief Branding Officer for Markor’s MIBD home furnishings division.
About A.R.T. Furniture:
Help Sev get through the transplant process
Sev has been dealing with medical issues over the last few years. It has precluded him from working over the past several months. He has lost everything, and is now about to go through the transplant and recovery process. Aside from Colorado assistance, he has nothing to weather the storm. He is currently residing in an extended stay hotel near the UC hospital. Click the give now link below to support Sev.
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.
Check Out IHFRA's Webinar with Adam Glazer Pt.1
The team at IHFRA wants to thank the scores of members who signed up and attended part one of our two-part Webinar series presented with Adam Glazer and the members of his law firm of Schoenberg Finkel Beederman Bell and Glazer, LLC , our legal counsel. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Adam was joined by two of his associates, Andrew Bell and Matt Tyrell, who shared a wealth of knowledge and answered a host of questions regarding health and safety issues for traveling reps, applying for PPP loan forgiveness, changing tax laws and many other things.
In case you missed it, or simply just want to watch it again, you can access the video online from your computer, smart phone or tablet here:
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv8EICxWP-Q
We had several attendees submit questions in advance of the webinar and we’ve got the answers to your questions here:
Webinar Questions for Adam with Disclaimer
Curious about what people are saying about the webinar? Here are a few quotes from attendees:
- “Lots of great information on many current and concerning topis. Looking forward to the November Webinar” ~ Tommy Coughlin
- “Informative, educational and right on point. Time well spent.” ~ Ray Isser, IHFRA past president
- “I received pertinent information from 3 talented lawyers that would have cost me a lot of money had I consulted with them on my own. The subjects they covered were geared to my business as a 1099 and a small business owner. My membership dues to IHFRA have more than paid for themselves this year. I am looking forward to the next set of topics they will be presenting in November.” ~ Wendy Buzzard, President of Creative Visions Midwest
- “I thought the webinar was great. Lots of great information that was time sensitive, especially the information regarding the pandemic. I’ve been in the industry over 40 years and still learned lots from this webinar. I can’t wait till the second webinar in November.” Tommy Leflein, past president, IHFRA.
HPMKT Rebrands Educational Series & Announces Fall 2020 Schedule
High Point Market and ASID Announce Educational Series Rebrand, Virtual Schedule for Fall Market 2020
HIGH POINT, N.C., September 29, 2020 — The High Point Market Authority (HPMA), in partnership with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), announces a rebrand of the popular Design Viewpoints Series (DVS) educational seminars, as well as its upcoming Fall Market virtual schedule. Now titled ASID Learn x Design, attendees can earn up to 3 IDCEC-approved continuing education units (CEUs) through this program.
ASID will present three CEU-approved seminars via GoToWebinar as part of High Point’s virtual programming. These sessions are free and open to all interior designers, retailers, and other industry members. Following their live airings, recordings of the events will be available as on-demand CEUs on ASID Academy, the Society’s online learning platform offering easily accessible professional development.
On tap for the series are three thought-provoking seminars to help attendees navigate the changing interior design business landscape. Attendees will learn from industry leaders as they share their knowledge building a profitable business, navigating difficult client conversations, and securing new clients.
“At ASID, we believe that in order to create meaningful change in the built environment, designers must acquire relevant and timely business knowledge to sustain growing and resilient firms,” explains Gary Wheeler, FASID, Interim CEO, ASID. “We selected the topics for ASID Learn x Design to assist the design community in gaining that imperative business acumen while positively impacting the lives of their clients.”
Topics and speakers for the Fall 2020 ASID Learn x Design program include:
Thursday, October 15
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET
In Conversation: Kerrie Kelly on Designing an Agile and Thriving Business
Speakers – LuAnn Nigara, Kerrie Kelly, FASID, NKBA, CAPS
Expert interviewer LuAnn Nigara dives deep in conversation with acclaimed designer and ASID National Board of Directors Chair Kerrie Kelly. Hear how Kerrie has built her business and how she is navigating the impact of COVID, as well as her goals for the year ahead at ASID. Kerrie and LuAnn will explore the lessons learned along the way, including: how to navigate a changing business landscape, building and
Saturday, October 17
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET
Can We Talk? Navigating Difficult Client Conversations
Speakers – Phyllis Harbinger (moderator), Cheryl Luckett, John McClain, Beth Diana Smith
In a perfect world, you and your client would always be “on the same page” and in agreement on the project at hand. Instead, we live in a world where you must manage professional and/or personal differences to maintain a strong business relationship. Now more than ever, navigating client communications and interactions are the key to success. Moderated by Phyllis Harbinger, FASID, CID, panelists Cheryl Luckett, John McClain, Associate ASID, and Beth Diana Smith, Associate ASID, will share their insights and tips for navigating tough conversations with clients. 1 IDCEC-approved CEU. Learn x Design program presented by ASID.
Tuesday, October 20
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET
Woo to Close
Speaker – Sandra Funk
Sandra Funk shares her secrets on how to land your dream client. After nearly two decades in the industry, Sandra wants to help you run the most efficient, joyful and profitable business possible, and she knows that attracting new clients is a key ingredient to success. Sandra will walk you through her potential new client process from the initial call to closing the sale and provide you with the scripts, templates and resources guaranteed to elevate your client game. 1 IDCEC-approved CEU. Learn x Design program presented by ASID.
Additional details about the ASID Learn x Design series, as well as registration links, can be found atwww.highpointmarket.org/events/asid-learn-design.
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 Twitter using the hashtag #hpmkt.
About the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) believes that design transforms lives. ASID serves the full range of the interior design profession and practice through the Society’s programs, networks, and advocacy. We thrive on the strength of cross-functional and interdisciplinary relationships among designers of all specialties, including workplace, healthcare, retail and hospitality, education, institutional, and residential. We lead interior designers in shared conversations around topics that matter: from evidence-based and humancentric design to social responsibility, well-being, and sustainability. We showcase the impact of design on the human experience and the value interior designers provide.
ASID was founded 40 years ago when two organizations became one, but its legacy dates back to the early 1930s. As we celebrate nearly 85 years of industry leadership, we are leading the future of interior design, continuing to integrate the advantages of local connections with national reach, of small firms with big, and of the places we live with the places we work, play, learn, and heal. Learn more at www.asid.org.
Fully Loaded Podcast features IHFRA's Ray Allegrezza & John Pinion
Knight Furniture, a Texas-based independent furniture retailer, is one of those amazing businesses that consistently raises the bar. Family-owned and operated, the 103-year-old retailer stays fresh not only from its assortment of great furniture and bedding but from an innovative and impactful social media outreach that shares information about the company both inside and outside of the industry often featuring informative podcasts.
Recently Knight Furniture, in recognition of fathers and sons working alongside each other, hosted a podcast that featured father and son David and Joey Knight, John Pinion, Sr. and John Jr, a dynamic rep duo and Ray and Steve Allegrezza, both of IHFRA. To hear the podcast, which focused on the ups and downs of fathers and sons working together, great blues music and an up close and personal insights from all the participants
Click Here to Listen!
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.
What on Earth is going on? Where will our industry be in 2021-2022?
Don't miss this important webinar
featuring Jerry Epperson
Moderated by Ron Cooper
Everyone's favorite furniture industry expert Jerry Epperson will take a deep dive into where we are now as an industry and where we are likely to be in the near future. Who will come out of this pandemic smelling like a rose snd who is headed toward the edge of a cliff?
Live Webinar including Q&A
Thursday September 10th at 2:00 PM (EST)
Jerry Epperson is the director of Mann, Armistead & Epperson, Ltd., an investment banking and research firm. Epperson's research in the industry is recognized on a worldwide basis for it's in-depth coverage of suppliers, manufacturers and retailers.
This webinar is hosted by The Greater Metropolitan Furnishing association.
REGISTER NOW