AT THE MARKET–High Point Market opened today under gloomy conditions: both the weather and the shape of business.
The furnishings industry has been hit the hardest of any of the home furnishings segments by the slowdown in the housing market, but High Point was expecting the usual number of buyers and sellers this week.
While there were no marquee debuts of celebrity programs, there were introductions from a bevy of market veterans, including Martha Stewart, Jaclyn Smith and Alexander Julian.
This week’s market marks the first time it has been designated as a U.S. Commercial Service International Buyer Program event. The program is designed to connect U.S. companies with foreign customers, and to raise global awareness of a designated event.