What Does It Mean to “Go to Market”?

When we say, “We’re headed to market,” do you know what that really means? Market is where we discover the latest in furniture, home décor, lighting, and accessories for our clients. It’s the ultimate destination where all of our vendors unveil their newest products, and it’s where the industry comes together to find innovative items for their storefronts and homes.

At market, vendors set up showrooms within large buildings or campuses, usually twice a year, depending on the event. These showrooms serve as inspiration for us to touch, feel, and experience new products. Some showrooms are open year-round, while others are only accessible during scheduled market events.

The High Point Market in North Carolina is the largest furnishings trade show in the world, which is why we visit it twice a year. With more than 2,000 vendors spanning over 11 million square feet (the equivalent of 165 football fields), High Point is where top brands launch new collections and set industry trends. This event is known as the Furniture Capital of the World, as most American-made furniture comes from within a 125-mile radius of High Point.

A Day in the Life at Market

So, what exactly do we do when we head to market? Here’s a glimpse of a typical day:

• Morning: Waking up in rented houses (because hotel space is scarce in High Point), fueled by lots of coffee.
• First Stops: We start by visiting vendors that offer unique, one-of-a-kind items, antiques, and specialty pieces.
• Exploring Showrooms: High Point Market is spread out across multiple buildings, so we rely on guides to take us through showrooms and show us every new detail of each piece.
• Making Selections: If we’re purchasing a furniture line, we’ll handpick frames, fabrics, finishes, and place the order on the spot.
• Art and Accessories: We visit art vendors and accessory lines, where we’re often greeted with excitement from sellers who know us well.

Throughout the day, we explore around 120 showrooms, walk approximately 41,000 steps, and write 50+ orders. We pick up 10+ new furniture and home décor lines, all while sipping a little wine (which might occasionally influence a purchase or two!).

How, What, and Why We Buy

Our buying decisions serve multiple purposes:

• For Store Impact: Some pieces we buy for their shock value or uniqueness—while they may not sell quickly, they attract customers to our stores.
• For Our Clients: We focus on what we know our markets like and what will sell well.
• Comfort and Style: We prioritize comfortable, stylish furniture while staying on top of the latest trends in accessories and art.
• Affordable Pieces: We also shop for items like greenery, candles, and feel-good buys that people love to take home.
• Special Projects: We buy for specific events like the Omaha Street of Dreams and the Lincoln Parade of Homes, ensuring our selections are tailored to the needs of those projects.

Markets Beyond High Point

While High Point is the largest and most prominent, we also explore other markets:

• Dallas Market Center: Best for lighting, accessories, and furniture.
• Las Vegas Market: Ideal for discovering furniture from the western side of imports and the world.
• Atlanta and New York City: These cities are great for sourcing gifts, new décor ideas, and emerging trends.

How This Impacts You as a Client

Here’s how our market trips benefit you as a client:

• Exclusive Finds: You get access to unique, high-quality pieces that aren’t easily found elsewhere.
• Early Access to New Collections: We bring you the latest furniture and décor before they hit the mainstream market.
• Personalized Sourcing: Share your wish list, and we’ll actively search for those perfect pieces at market.
• Limited-Time Availability: Many items are one-of-a-kind, so quick decisions are essential.
• Expert Trend Insights: As we explore market, we gain valuable insights into upcoming design trends that help us bring fresh ideas to your space

Now that you know what we mean when we say, “We’re going to market,” reach out to us with any special requests. We’d love to help you find the perfect pieces for your home or project. And be sure to follow along as we share behind-the-scenes on Instagram stories.