The High Point Market’s attendance is still improving after initially declining during the COVID pandemic. This was one of the key points that came out of the board meeting of the High Point Market Authority, which was held at the String & Splinter on the last day of the fall market.
The early figures as of October 25 show that year-over-year, attendance at the The market for the weeks of October 22–26 increased by 5.3% over April and 8.7% over fall 2021 figures. International buyers returned, contributing to a 45.13% increase, having been unable to attend recent markets. According to early statistics, the most recent market had the highest attendance at High Point since before the pandemic, despite a 15% decline from fall 2019, the last market before COVID.
According to outgoing CEO Tom Conley, Wayfair sent about 150 buyers to the event, and 164 of the Market Authority’s top 200 targets were present. 1,689 different brands were represented by the vendors, which is another increase. With 1,720 first-time buyers present, new buyers were numerous at the market.
“We are directionally valid,” Conley said. “The statistics show that we are COVID-recovering. The mood was upbeat and enthusiastic. An answer is being found to the supply chain problem. Retailers are offering steep discounts to move product from their floors and distribution centers even though there is still inventory at the point of sale. They seek out fresh goods.”
Tammy Nagem, chief operating officer and soon-to-be CEO, continued, “The neighborhood activities continue to gain momentum, and we will continue Game Day bingo in future markets, as it was successfully implemented in the Centennial Wrenn South neighborhood.” The selfie stations near Showplace and the International Home Furnishings Center, she continued, were a lot more popular than expected.
Randy Tilinski, Josh Hudson, Karen Olson, and Lee Boone were recognized by the board as departing members whose terms are coming to an end. In the presence of everyone, plaques honoring Tilinski and Olson’s service were presented. Dudley Moore and Jane Dagmi will continue to serve on the board, but they won’t have any voting rights. Griffin McClure, Taylor West, Joni Vanderslice, Blake Millinor, Patti Carpenter, and Neil MacKenzie will be the new board members.
Chairman Alex Shuford III acknowledged the accomplishments and significant dates in Conley’s leadership of the company at the meeting’s conclusion. He also praised Conley for ensuring a smooth transition of power to Nagem.
“Tom has been a bedrock for us the past 11 years,” Shuford said. “He guided us through some of the most turbulent periods in this market’s history, including the housing crisis of 2008–2009, the North Carolina Bathroom Bill, and his career-ending pandemic.
“To a large extent, Tom’s steady hand has contributed to our current state of health and healing. More importantly, he has equipped us with an excellent staff so that we won’t miss any beats over the coming few years. That, in my opinion, is the mark of a great leader: They don’t leave a void.”
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Source: https://www.furnituretoday.com/high-point-market-show-news/market-authority-attendance-strong-and-trending-in-the-right-direction/
