A group of furniture manufacturers and the High Point Market Authority are planning to turn Pre-Market, the


informal gathering of top sellers and buyers that takes place several weeks before each of the big furniture markets, into a more structured event.

The purpose of the event will still be to give industry heavyweights the chance to see new offerings early so the manufacturers have time to modify designs and samples ahead of the main market if necessary. However, the new Pre-Market features more market-ready samples instead of the sketches and mock-ups that have been more common in the past, according to Brian Casey, president of the High Point Market Authority.

“What you understood as Pre-Market will no longer exist,” Casey said. “Our goal is to deliver the greatest value to the retailers in attendance, and that involves the preview of fully realized product introductions.”

The new Pre-Market will last for two days twice each year and will include an opening reception, a panel discussion and social activities as well as showroom visits. The Market Authority will help to coordinate the event, but Casey said because its taxpayer-provided funding is earmarked for the primary markets, Pre-Market activities will continue to be paid for by the participating manufacturers.