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Market Correction

HIGH POINT SHOW DATES CHANGE TO SUIT RETAILERS' PREFERENCES

The times they are achanging. That might be the new theme song for all the major home furnishings markets, including the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC. This October's edition - October 20-26 - was supposed to have been the last October show as the International Home Furnishings Market Authority (IHFMA) voted to move the fall 2006 show to September, and the spring edition to late March in 2007. When it was realized that the September 25-October 1, 2006, dates conflicted with the Jewish holidays, the show got switched back to its original October 16-22, 2006 dates.

New to High Point and showing in the Yorkshire House space in the C & D Building, was Kuk May. It translates to ‘working hands' in the indigenous language of the Chilean women who hand-sew and embroider the company's pillows. The mostly linen pillows feature exquisitely rendered sea motifs like coral, shells, and fish in wool, silk, or cotton yarns. President Heidi Becker excitedly reported that Bergdorf Goodman had commissioned a program.

Mystic Valley Traders (787-933-0666, mvtbedding.com) launched a juvenile collection from toddler to tweener as part of its Quick Ship collection, which ships within a week. Reversible, washable patterns for boys (the vintage cowboy-inspired Bud, shown) and girls (the pink paisleys and polka dots of Deanie) were paired with Barn Dandy's coordinating accessories like upholstered circle ottomans, sleeping bags, and tents.

Another change for High Point was that the Authority actually admitted that traffic was down. However, its figure of 10% didn't jibe with many exhibitors' perceptions. One suggested that it was more like 20% down, which was countered with "20% of what it used to be."

But - as always - there were exhibitors who were happy with the crowd. Michael Shah, president of Shalimar Silk, expressed the more common sentiment saying, "Traffic picked up on Friday. Customers have an upbeat tempo, buying not just looking, so we've been busy."

Other changes at High Point were shifts in exhibitors' product mixes or styles, as well as new collections. Chandler Four Corners, known for its classic lodge looks, debuted four cut-loop wool rugs with a more contemporary feel by new licensed artist Drew Dunnigan. Lam Lee Group expanded its contemporary offerings, resurrecting its long-time association with designer Larry Laslo.

And Capel, long known for its traditional braided rugs, introduced what it called "a new twist on braids" - Concentrics. A continuous coiled braid is sewn into a rectangular shape rather than the typical rounds or ovals for a contemporary but classic look.

Although the fall High Point market is not ripe with rug introductions, there was plenty of new. Nourison (800-223-1100, nourison.com) can always be counted on to bring new collections in both its handmade and powerloomed offerings. Although the Nourison Aspects collection, handmade of hard-twist 100% wool, is contemporary in design, the company's other introductions were more traditional. Heritage Savonerrie, also handmade using the hard-twist wool yarn, was inspired by classic continental designs. A scroll design melds gracefully with a garland border in HS03, shown in the fashion-right turquoise colorway. It is also available in brick and burgundy.

Emporio Beraldin (011-55-11-3032-8698, emporioberaldin.com) offers a modern array of fabrics, rugs, furniture, and accessories made in Brazil from natural materials.

Tapestries was emphasizing its new division, Bedding Inspirations (336-883-7940), which now has its own showroom in the IHFC. "Our goal was to put together quality, sophisticated sets at an affordable price," says designer Audrey Kane. "The range includes wovens, silks, and cotton prints, all designed in house, in a different style than Tapestries Ltd." Looks range from the rich color and plush chenille of Newcastle, to the French-country Pavone print (shown), to the bright and whimsical Springtime woven. All of the patterns are reversible and a set includes six pieces: comforter, bedskirt, and two standard and two Euro shams.

Although neutrals never go out of style, they looked trendy this market. At Shalimar, buyers gravitated toward the neutral story told by the Monroe bed, a sheer lined with silk shantung and embellished with jute thread, accompanied by a gathered sheer dust ruffle and coordinating curtain panels. At Eastern Accents, Charissa attracted attention with its quiet monochromatic ivory palette. Even Davenport Home Furnishings, well known for its vibrant and exuberant tweener looks, got a good response to the romantic Bouquet ensemble with an ivory quilt and pearl-beaded tulle over a faux-silk throw. It combined elegance with practicality since the polyester fabrics are washable.

Although the number of newcomers seemed depressed, there were some. World of Treasures brought flokati, and shorn and unshorn sheepskin rugs (including tatami sizes), coverlets, and floor pillows to the show. All products can be custom colored.

The NBA also made its first High Point appearance with NBA at Home, including rugs by Anglo Oriental, leather couches and ottomans by Legendary Leather, bar stools and tables by SportsFan Furniture, and LCD televisions by Hannspree. Most items can be personalized by NBA team name or logo, with delivery in six to eight weeks.

Industry veteran Raphael Wolf has established Woven Workz to import knitted throws and apparel items from China. This market Wolf emphasized textural bouclés in a palette heavy on blues, and Feizy Rugs' Roy Evans, executive director of national sales, concurred with the color choice. For Andrew Morgan of the Andrew Morgan Collection, blues are shifting into the violet family, and yellow is a coming color. Davenport designer Melanie Bass agreed, citing lavender and the fashion-forward yellow. Angela Brown of Tomasini reported having success with Tokyo in butter and silver, a color pairing also seen in Feathersound's Elixir.

Above: Nicole Miller made her High Point debut with a furniture line manufactured by Excelsior Designs (800-533-9235). The 70-plus case goods, leather, and upholstery collection, made in Italy, was described as "contemporary flair meets classic style." A scalable gallery program is being developed prior to the retail launch, scheduled for the first quarter of 2006.

Brown also saw a trend to lighter fabrics. Similarly there has been a resurgence in coverlets as a category. Chicago Textile Corp. showed them in new bedding introductions, including the popular Metro group. President Jean Joseph explained, "Coverlets are lighter than a duvet because there's no fill, so they are great for climates or people who don't want heavier top-of-bed products. They give a bed a more contemporary look, with sharper edges."

At CMA, ScandiaDown made its debut in the wholesale marketplace with upscale down products, cotton-and-Modal towels, and high-end Italian sheeting in solids, stripes, and two jacquard patterns.

Despite the new market dates intended to suit retailers' schedules, there will always be those who have their own agendas. How else can one explain why, as Tomasini's Brown reported, the majors shopped Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday - before the official opening on Thursday?