Gerri Hunt — Furniture Today
Efforts proposed to boost market attendance

TUPELO, Miss. — The folks at the Tupelo Furniture Market have gotten creative in their efforts to draw a larger retail crowd.

One innovative approach involves asking exhibitors and representatives to give up their Tupelo hotel rooms.

“The demand for hotel rooms is so great, and there are several buyers who want to come but want to be closer to the market,” said Bill Cleveland, market president.

As an incentive for giving up the rooms, market officials are offering to pay for new rooms that are 20 to 30 minutes from the market, and will provide shuttle service. Signs are posted in the Tupelo hotel rooms to let the new guest — the buyer — know the name and company of the person who gave up the room.

By early February, a couple of reps had given up their rooms.

“We all win if we get the retail buyer here and he shops the market. And that chance is greater if reps give up their rooms,” Cleveland said.

He said many reps stay in nearby hostess homes, which is another option for those who give up their hotel rooms.

In another effort to boost market attendance, the successful Tupelo-Only Special program is back for the second time, with more exhibitors participating.

“We asked our exhibitors to come up with really significant promotions,” said Cleveland. “Tupelo is a value market, and it’s less expensive to show here than at other markets. We asked the exhibitors to give back to the retailers, and give promotions they don’t make available at other markets.”

Once an exhibitor signs up for the program, the market staff asks to review the promotions.

“We look at them so retailers will have a great value, and not just regular market specials,” said Cleveland.

Participating exhibitors can be identified with a “$” by their company name in the market’s Preview Magazine, Buyer’s Guide & Directory, and Pocket Guide. Exhibitors’ specials also will be shown on big-screen TVs in all nine registration lobbies. 

Cleveland said 20% of the market’s exhibitors are taking part in the Tupelo-Only Specials.