Market Pros

My focus is on three main objectives: sourcing for current projects, attending industry events to see what’s new and in the works, and scoping out new product lines.

Wear comfortable shoes (I know this is top priority for a lot of designers!), allow yourself a day to wander and discover the unexpected, and visit the Antique & Design Center at Market Square to spot unique finds.

For me, it’s critical. It gives me the opportunity to meet face to face with reps which is incredibly valuable. Seeing products and lines in person allows me to ascertain quality; we do so much customization for our clients and that’s something that doesn’t always translate online. Being able to see things in person helps our team to select the right products for the right project and achieve the aesthetic and quality that our clients are looking for.

We always look for good, better, and best options for our clients. I think it’s so important to have options at different tiers in order to maximize client budgets and achieve the desired project outcome.

Having our finger on the pulse of the industry and understanding the why and how behind consumer spending is key. It enables our team to be 3 steps ahead of what’s to come and anticipate client needs.

I never miss the Suites at Market Square, because it’s a great chance to discover smaller and newer vendors. Jaipur is another must-see, because rugs are best seen in person and they have such a huge range of options that we can offer our clients. Finally, IHFC has a wide variety of showrooms and is the best place to get the pulse on emerging trends as well as those that have staying power.

Types of products? Exhibitors? When going to Market I usually have three (3) goals in mind. Firstly, I like to see what is out in upholstery, lighting, and accessories. I feel like we make the most impact with these pieces. Next, I source for clients and specific projects. I try to select pieces I know would work for current projects. And lastly, I re-sit on tried and true pieces that we like to keep in our repertoire. Knowing how product sits and feels helps me to better sell it, sight-unseen.

For those who are inexperienced, I say just go to have fun. Meet people. Go see as much as you can. Enjoy the classes, the panels, the concerts. And for those who are more seasoned—have a legitimate gameplan and localize your shopping. Understanding neighborhoods and having a plan to shop in specific territories greatly reduces time lost in travel and distractions. Additionally, planning your preferred panel discussions in advance will also help with navigating your shopping list.

It's crucial to my business. Not only are we seeing the newest furniture out, and not only are we reminded of the amazing quality of our preferred vendors, but we're also being inspired by vignettes and color palettes that other amazing designers create when designing the showrooms. In addition, there are so many other excited and ambitious designers waiting to discuss, to share, to brainstorm about business and techniques. There's nothing like it.

Obviously, we all want to buy the highest quality, at the lowest price. This can only be determined by seeing the products in-person. Just because something may appear inexpensive on paper, doesn't mean corners were cut on design and quality of materials. It's so important to see, touch, and feel the products firsthand—this is my biggest consideration in this economic climate.

At this stage in our business we are. Prior to last year, I believe we were growing so fast it was hard to keep up and hard to maintain any type of balance in the company. Now, with 5 years under our belt, we have a more strategic approach to our spending, our financial goals, and for our team's culture. I believe these focuses will help us succeed in many ways.

This is definitely too hard to choose from! But, for every Market there are definite stores I make sure to visit. For Showplace, I make sure to see Four Hands. Because their products are so prevalent, it's great to get an understanding of the actual products that we see online and in other stores. Additionally, ROWE is an absolute must at this point. We use their upholstery in nearly every project and continue to see visit their showroom to maintain an accurate account of our impressions for each piece we love—as we're often selling them sight-unseen to the clients. For IHFC, I always visit Hooker Furniture. It's on one of the upper levels and can be easily forgotten. However, for traditional/transitional pieces, they really offer a massive variety of products with great quality and prices. Eichholtz is always a peak into the European approach to design and always has an ambience that makes you want to be a part of whatever they're doing. All-in-all...it's really every building! lol

Above all, I'm shopping for inspiration! There is no shortage at High Point Market, so having a guiding strategy is important. But, I always leave time to wander, linger and be amazed. I particularly like to see new spins on classics, with unexpected prints, global influences and innovative lines in adaptable configurations and sizes. Practically speaking, I'm generally shopping for furniture and cased goods that are well made and appealing to a middle income client. I want to be able to attest to the comfort of upholstered pieces, and the detail and craftsmanship involved. I'm also on the lookout for unique decorative lighting, accessories and art that can make a project truly special.

This year, I'll be exploring more antiques and eco-friendly finds with sustainability in mind. I'm interested in focusing on companies that are doing the work, so I'll be asking questions and have an eye out for that! As always, I'll also be looking to widen my perspective, learning about various cultural influences and traditions in design and craftsmanship.

1. Wear layers and the most comfortable shoes possible.
2. Plan visits to showrooms around events and speakers that you're most interested in seeing. Talk to your designer friends ahead of time to see which brands they're excited about and why, and add a few unknowns to your list.
3. Take lots of photos, and videos. It's great for clients to SEE you trying out that comfy sofa and to observe the scale, color and pattern with light
4. If you can't make appointments with reps, go anyway! Once you're scanned in, your reps will often find you, and you can always share your contact info for meetings in the future.
5. Pace yourself! You don't have to drink every glass of complimentary champagne, and you don't have to see every item or showroom at market...but you'll want to.

I take a holistic and character driven approach to design, and I lean into the truth that great design is an experience for all of the senses, and that it is highly personal. There is nothing like experiencing the comfort, shine and magic of a piece in person, and it's the best way to seal the deal on recommendations that you make to your clients. Whether or not you stick to a strong aesthetic point of view, It's wonderful to be exposed to things out of your comfort zone, as it stretches your design mind and broadens the horizons of possibility.

Considering the economic climate, it's more important than ever to maximize investments. High quality pieces with longevity in structure and style will be key. People in my core market of middle to upper middle income brackets will be less likely to be drawn to trends. However, shopping for up and coming brands with a great price point and a strong point of view might offer an opportunity to encourage clients to take a bit of a risk especially when it comes to art and decor. People are tightening those purse strings, so being able to show photos and videos along with your testament to the product will be key. High Point Market provides that opportunity in spades!

I'm in a remarkable career transition into Television Design for and Hosting for HGTV, so balancing independent clients has been a challenge! I'm currently leaning into my TV work and the multiple homes, characters and styles that it provides. In my independent work, I'm fortunate to be focusing on wonderful repeat clients, and aspiring to design more new builds and complete homes. Market is vital in facilitating the necessary insights, inspirations and introductions that move me to meet my goals, and to help my clients and my audience meet theirs!

I leverage success at High Point Market by planning ahead! I make sure to schedule my most trusted sources first thing each day whenever possible so I can reconnect with reps and complete purchasing and shopping for specific client needs. I try to pad any appointments, so I leave room for free wheeling and sudden inspiration! I'll generally map out at least one speaker/event that I want to attend each day, and one dinner or party each evening where I can meet up with industry friends and mingle.

IHFC (Accent Decor, Etu, ethnicraft, Regina Andrew, Villa & House); Commerce & Design ( Cortney's Collection, Trowbridge, Jaipur, Visual Comfort); Suites at Market Square (Iconic Pineapple, Thibaut, Fabricut, Hudson Valley Lighting, Antique & Design); Hamilton Wrenn (cr laine, new growth, blue pheasant, highland house, inside out); Eichholtz; and Showplace (Rowe, Four Hands)!

Innovation is the heart of interior design, even in classic design. The desires and needs of homeowners evolve, and I utilize Market to find products with which I can fuse my creativity and create something truly unique for my clients. I love seeing new trends in furniture and decor for kitchens, living areas, bathrooms and more.

Going to Market can be overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. The High Point Market website has some great links to help you prepare for your visit and explore Market strategically, such as maps, specific vendor booths and buildings. Beyond that, though, consider any challenges you’ve had with design projects and set yourself up to find possible product and vendor solutions at Market. That always helps me center my browsing.

Being on what I hope is the other side of the full-blown pandemic, I realize and appreciate the opportunity to view potential products up close and in person. As a designer that values the functionality of texture in furniture and home decor, it makes a difference being able to touch and try various pieces versus ordering them online and having to evaluate them after purchasing. Plus, there’s nothing like being able to discuss new trends and creative ideas with my peers face-to-face! Virtual conversations work when needed, but they don’t compare to the value of humanistic connection. I love that I have that again with the in-person Market experience.

Sustainability is high on my list of considerations when buying at Market. There are so many environmental factors impacting our world today. I want to be able to offer my clients products that won’t add to the problem. Finding products that are gorgeous, functional AND made from reclaimed or sustainable materials? Those will get my attention. Along the same lines, I believe when you buy high-quality products, you’re less likely to have to replace them over and over again. Market is a place to find avant-garde pieces made with quality materials that will last forever. It’s the place to splurge on something that could potentially be an heirloom, or be a part of your decor for a long period of time. Those items will save money in the long run.

If we’ve learned anything over the past few years, we’ve realized how valuable our home spaces are. So much life happens in those spaces, and people now know it’s worth it to invest in their homes. However, that investment must be done in very wise ways. Homeowners want to customize their homes to their tastes and in ways that reflect who they are and how they live their lives. I’m working hard to position myself to be a trusted and reliable design resource for my clients by offering them the wealth of knowledge and experience I’ve amassed over my career. More than that, while I love my in-person design projects, there’s always a client I wish I could help, but they live across the globe. Because of that, I’ve extended my business services to offer virtual consultations to anyone living anywhere, at any time. This way, I am able to help more clients with product selections and also be a liaison or partner in actual design builds or renovation projects.

IHFC, Interhall (which is in IHFC) and Showplace

Fresh new furnishings, lighting, and accessories that we can share with our clients. We’re always looking for exhibitors with interesting new things that we can use in our projects.

• Push yourself to see as much as you can!
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• And always try to find a few new sources that you didn’t know about before.
• Open some new doors!

I think it’s very important. As a designer, I try not just to see things for my clients, but to experience them in person. Sit on the chairs, lounge on the sofas…make sure they are as comfortable as they are beautiful.

Make sure the quality is there in the furnishings you’re selecting for your clients. And make sure to understand each company’s delivery time/schedule.

We’re maintaining good relations and personal contact with the manufacturers we love. We’re also forging new friendships and associations with businesses we discover at High Point Market. We try to find 3-4 new sources each season.

C&D building, Suites at Market Square, Market Square & IHFC

I’m always on the lookout for inspiring new products, with a focus on sustainable, thoughtfully manufactured pieces. From furniture to art and textiles, I’m looking for innovative and creative designs for our designers and clients.

Lace up some comfortable shoes and stick to your plan! Market can be overwhelming with the sheer amount of product and showrooms, so coming prepared with your market strategy is key. Because our goal at market is to explore products relating to our clients in the model home and multifamily industry, we gear our shopping plans toward exploring those manufacturers. Market is a blast and there are so many places to see, panels to attend, and people to meet—you’ll make the most of your time there with a solid plan.

The in-person market experience is essential. Having boots on the ground in the center of the most innovative and creative product showcase in the world is crucial for staying on top of industry trends and finding the top products for your clients, not to mention a fabulous opportunity to connect and collaborate with industry peers. It’s a must-attend event!

Important considerations when buying at market include finding quality products with your budget in mind. As a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, I’m very interested in seeing the latest in healthier, intentionally-designed, pro-planet products, and what vendors are doing to apply sustainable practices to their manufacturing.

Success in our business this year will come from our continued focus on consumer behaviors and congruent strategic planning to bring our clients even more success. The current economic climate is challenging, but it’s also a huge opportunity for innovation, which breeds creativity. We’re planning for a successful 2023 with strategic operational efficiencies and an innovative new approach to our design philosophy.

There really are incredible products and showrooms everywhere at Market! But we recommend visiting IHFC for accent furniture, rugs, lighting, wall décor, floral, decorative accessories and more, Historic Market Square for an array of high-end furniture and home décor brands, and Hamilton Wrenn Design District for luxury collections to favorite everyday lines with a variety of price points, styles, and materials.

My number one goal when attending market is to see, touch, and sit in as much product as possible. We live and work in the digital age now where so much of the design process is facilitated digitally. The convenience of online sourcing makes the process more efficient but the tactile process of sourcing is vital to the overall design experience we as designers deliver to our clients. I prioritize starting with showrooms and vendors that may not be represented in my local area and I focus on the details like wood and metal finishes, joinery in case goods, and most importantly the scale and comfort of upholstered pieces.

My top tips for shopping market depend on two key factors. First of all, determine whether you’re going to source for specific design projects or if you are going to simply explore and discover new resources. If you're going to shop for specific projects I recommend sticking to a game plan, scheduling time at specific showrooms with your sales rep in advance, and be sure to bring your notes and fabric swatches with you. If your goal is to discover new resources, come prepared to get some serious steps in. Be sure to download the app and map onto your phone or iPad and don’t be afraid to hop on one of the many shuttles to visit outlying showrooms. Don’t forget to check out the many panel discussions and learning opportunities that market provides daily. It's a great way to rest your feet, learn something new, and strategize the next part of your day.

I spend my days promoting “Community over Competition” to designers and there is no better place to celebrate community than at market. The sheer number of designers that converge in High Point for market make it an ideal place to network with your peers and foster friendships with fellow designers from across the country. What better way to shop and source than with your designer bestie from another state not to mention the impactful conversations about the business of design had over dinners and drinks. I truly believe that the in-person market experience is a vital part of business and personal development for every design professional.

Every designer has a matrix for good, better, best depending on the market they serve. In today’s economic climate that matrix becomes a crucial tool in fulfilling client expectations, particularly budget. Market affords designers an opportunity to directly interface with their favorite and most trusted brands and their sales team and to have real conversations about pricing and what measures are being taken to respond to economic conditions while protecting your profit margin. It also gives designers an opportunity to discover new vendors and resources to enhance their ability to deliver service and quality to their clients at all levels of investment.

My designer client’s success is my success. Planning ahead for 2023 involves more conversations with voices of the industry and investing in continued education to better serve my coaching clients and the listeners who rely on the podcast for information and inspiration. Every small win, every big new client landed, every new hire, and every story of growth and success from the design professionals that I coach and influence represents success for me.

I’m like a typical creative when I shop market - I get distracted by every shiny object around the next corner. I cant help my self. I start with my must see showrooms and the then explore from there. I love exploring Market Square so I always start at HINKLEY Lighting to see what's new and then hit explore the suites. At the C&D building I bee line to TROWBRIDGE for some art inspiration - they do it so well. The first showroom on my list at IHFC is Currey & Co., they have some great new furniture and accessory introductions this year. Of course, no visit would be complete with a tour of the Eichholtz showroom. What an experience.

When I’m at market, I’m always looking for what’s new and fresh. A new twist on the traditional and I always love color.

Utilizing the Highpoint website to help create your game plan I think is the number one thing you can do before you leave. And there are tons of great tours. If it’s your first time they can help you navigate market.

I think the in person market experience is huge! Meeting your reps face-to-face so they can really show you all the new and top sellers is huge for your business.

I think meeting your reps in person at market helps. You know what’s coming down the pipeline if there will be new tariffs if there are changes in pricing coming he can really help you with projections for the next year.

I try to make it to every market. Building relationships with my vendors means we get better service, we get better response times and seeing everything in person means sitting feeling touching and being able to describe the clients exactly what they’re getting.

The High Point Market every year provides a key opportunity for my staff and I to have access to new products including furniture, accessories and lighting, in a central location, that are consistent with the home designs and lifestyles of our clients.

We consistently travel to the High Point Market and to derive the greatest benefit from your Market experience you need to have a plan of action…priorities! Driving to market or having access to a car is most helpful because you can take advantage of strategically parking and moving your car to access the outside showrooms as well as the various indoor exhibits.

The in-person market experience is essential to establishing vendor relationships and meeting with other designers to discuss trends and evolving design ideas. Relative to products, there are great benefits derived from viewing vendor products in person…you can see the quality of the various vendors products, you can ascertain the scale of the products making note of how certain pieces will fit in an overall design.

The current economic climate has not only impacted the time line for delivery but most importantly, product availability. The ability to speak directly with vendors regarding lead-time between submitting orders and actual delivery is immensely important. A chief concern for all clients is furnishing availability and the completion of their design project.

As my business grows and my client base expands, I recognize the importance of “client fit.” As my business has grown over the years, I have realized that every client is not a “fit” for your “style of design.” At this juncture, I recognize the importance of “managing expectations” and the importance of client and designer sharing a mutual “vision” for the design project.

The High Point Market provides an immense opportunity to visit a wide array of vendors and to view a myriad of products. Our must see list is: the C&D Building and the IHFC Building