Market Trips: Why Designers Go to High Point Market

Why do designers flock to High Point, North Carolina? The same reason those with an insatiable sweet tooth travel to Littleton, New Hampshire, home of the world’s longest candy counter. High Point Market is the home of home furnishings, the “ultimate destination for all things design,” and a wellspring of knowledge, creativity, and inspiration.

Amid the 11.5 million square feet of showrooms featuring influential exhibitors, endless products, and an exuberant atmosphere… Well, we feel just like kids in a candy store.

What Is High Point Market?

High Point is a home hub, with over 100 furniture stores and outlets. Twice a year (April and October), the midsize city of 117,000 sees its population explode as some 75,000 industry professionals descend on the “Furniture Capital of the World” to experience the famed High Point Market (HPMKT).

HPMKT has more exhibitors and product launches than any other market in the world; it is a veritable feast for the senses with the biggest names in the industry – and the next-big-thing makers that you won’t find anywhere else. From accent furniture and decorative accessories to office and outdoor oases, HPMKT likes to say it’s “the only home furnishings event with everything under the sun.” They like to say that because it is true.

While it’s easy to get caught up in exploring the 2000+ exhibits, we’re also here for the thought leadership. The Keynote Series empowers us to learn from world-class speakers and industry experts. This year, design luminaries from Joanna Gains, Amber Lewis, and Brigette Romanek to Bunny Williams and Martin Lawrence Bullard shared thought-provoking insights on the latest trade news and trends.

But, really, why do designers go to High Point Market? For you.

Investigate, Scrutinize, Sit

At Home & Willow Design, our passion is creating elegant, timeless spaces that exude warmth and empower our clients to make their most beautiful memories. We also know that making your house a home can be overwhelming. This is why we’re here: To do the heavy lifting for you when it comes to product selection (and testing!). As our Kamryn Camp says, “It’s an amazing trip, but we are here to educate ourselves and relay product knowledge to our clients. 110% of our relationships are based on trust; we never want to fluff things or sell clients blindly to products unless we truly believe in them.”

It’s important that we go to investigate new styles and trends and scrutinize the quality of vendors. And yes, we love seeing the newest and the coolest. But, as Kamryn notes, “We always have our clients in mind.”

It’s with clients in mind, for example, that you might find us in the midst of the vibrant, creative chaos… just having a seat. “As silly as that sounds,” Kamryn says, there is a method to our madness. “It’s nerve wracking for many people to purchase [products] without seeing it, trying it on, sitting on that sofa. We do lots of sit testing.” Cushion knowledge, if you will, is a big part providing exceptional results. And let’s face it, after navigating a few million square feet of exhibits (in dress shoes), it’s also one of our favorite tasks.

A trip to HPMKT is always a highlight of the year. We return armed with insights, inspiration, and abundant options in our creative repertoire so we can meet – and exceed – our clients’ expectations.

The High Point of Your Home Transformation

Home & Willow seeks to smooth out the rough edges of a home design project. Staying up to date, educated, and excited about our industry is a key to delivering stellar service. Let’s talk about your home, goals, and aspirations. Connect with Home & Willow Design.