High Point Market 2023: Highlights
This year, I decided that it was high time that I took a trip to the infamous High Point Market in North Carolina.
As part of my mission to find more sustainable and new goods for clients, I knew that High Point Market, a bi-annual trade show for interior designers, decorators, furniture store owners and others in my industry, was the place for me. For support, I asked my husband Joe to join me, and off we went for a fast-paced, jam-packed four nights and three days. Let me tell you, our visit exceeded my expectations and when I arrived home, I felt completely invigorated and excited about what the future holds for my business and clients.
High Point Market is absolutely massive. Every line of furniture and accessories that you can think of is at this market. As a result, it’s impossible to see the whole thing over the course of 3 or 4 days, and on top of that, with over 75,000 attendees, it’s a very busy place. Despite these obstacles, I was able to plan my time strategically and see a number of new and amazing product.
My plan was to meet with new textile and bedding companies, accessories, casegoods and wallpaper companies. I was a kid in a candy store every minute I was there! It was such a mind blowing experience for myself, and even for my husband, who is not in this industry.
Rattan furniture, reclaimed wood and handmade pottery accessories, vibrant textiles and wallpapers and recycled down inserts and bamboo bedding were some of my most inspiring finds. This is just a small fragment of the types of products that I explored — there was even more! In terms of trends, rattan furniture and colour is where it’s at. All of the rattan took me back to my childhood, but the modern product is so much more well-made and it’s even comfortable!
It wasn’t just seeing product trends that made the experience so special, it was that I was able to talk directly to the entrepreneurs themselves — the CEO’s or their reps — to learn first-hand about the products that I was viewing and touching. I loved every minute of it and I learned so much. From the history of the companies, to the composition of the products and how they worked — I felt so grateful for all of the time that these people spent with Joe and I. It filled my heart and solidified my confidence and knowledge in so many new products, and even some older distributors that I’ve purchased from for years.
This time spent learning and networking at High Point Market gave me the confidence to purchase numerous new products on-site for my upcoming online stop that will be filled with curated and unique picks by me for each room in the house. From the kitchen, to the foyer and the living room, I’ve hand picked and ordered products that will finish a space and make your rooms feel unique, comfortable and classic. This opportunity has opened up a whole new door for me to import sustainable and artisan products from around the world. Prior to this trip, I only dreamed of doing this, and I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity and courage to make it happen.
At the beginning of April, I had no idea how much my visit to High Point would alter my business and ignite a new flame inside of me. I value this experience so much and can’t wait to embark on new business experiences like this one in the future. The importance of immersing myself in new products and learning for days is a vital part of my growth as an entrepreneur and designer, so much so that moving forward, I plan to do a similar trip each year. Whether it’s to High Point again next year, or another show, this learning experience will become part of my annual business plan.
More networking, learning and acquiring sustainable and beautiful products for my clients — I’m in and can’t wait! In the meantime, I’ll continue to get excited as all of my new purchases arrive at our office, just waiting to be shared with all of you online. Stay tuned!