High Point Furniture Market | High Point

The High Point Furniture Market, held biannually in High Point, North Carolina, is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world and is widely recognized as the premier event for furniture buyers, manufacturers, designers, and industry professionals globally. Established in 1909, this market has grown from a small regional exhibition into an international phenomenon, profoundly shaping the furniture and interior design industry while firmly cementing High Point’s identity as the “Furniture Capital of the World.”

Historical Background and Growth

High Point's rise to prominence in the furniture industry dates back to the late 19th century. The city’s geographic location provided abundant natural timber resources, which attracted early furniture manufacturers. This, combined with the development of transportation infrastructure such as the Southern Railway, allowed High Point to become a hub for furniture production.

The first formal Southern Furniture Market was held in 1909, signaling the beginning of an organized marketplace where manufacturers and buyers could meet. As the industry grew, so did the market, with major expansions like the construction of the Southern Furniture Exposition Building in 1921 and the addition of the Wrenn Wing in 1950. These buildings provided vital showroom space for exhibitors and helped accommodate the swelling attendance of buyers from across the country.

Over the decades, High Point Furniture Market expanded exponentially, both in physical size and international influence. The market adapted with trends and industry needs, continuously expanding its showroom space and incorporating cutting-edge design trends and technology.

Scope and Scale of the Market

Today, the High Point Furniture Market is an enormous event sprawling over more than 11 million square feet of showroom space. It covers approximately 180 buildings across the city, including historic and newly constructed venues, making it a sprawling urban trade show unlike any other.

The market features about 2,000 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest in home furnishings, decor, and design.

It attracts between 70,000 and 80,000 attendees during each market week, including retail buyers, interior designers, architects, manufacturers, wholesalers, and media from over 100 countries.

The showrooms present a wide variety of product categories, such as:

Bedroom and dining furniture

Upholstery and accent pieces

Lighting fixtures and decorative accessories

Outdoor furniture

Rugs, textiles, and flooring options

Home office and commercial furnishings

Kitchen and bath cabinetry and hardware

Key venues within the market include the International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC), the Showplace, Market Square, and other specialized exhibition halls, each designed to highlight different sectors of the home furnishings market.

Economic and Industry Impact

The High Point Furniture Market is a critical economic engine for both the city of High Point and the state of North Carolina. Studies have shown that the market generates billions of dollars in economic activity annually. For example, a Duke University study estimated that the market creates approximately $6.7 billion in economic output and supports over 42,000 jobs across various sectors including manufacturing, retail, logistics, hospitality, and more.

The market also produces significant tax revenue for state and local governments, enhancing public services and infrastructure in the region. High Point’s reputation as the furniture capital draws investment, innovation, and talent from around the world.

Market Experience and Operations

The High Point Furniture Market operates primarily as a trade-only event, meaning it is not open to the general public but exclusively to verified industry professionals such as retail buyers, interior designers, manufacturers, architects, and media representatives. This exclusivity ensures that buyers can interact directly with manufacturers and wholesalers, gaining early access to new collections, negotiating deals, and establishing business relationships.

During market weeks, the city transforms with bustling activity—showrooms are fully staffed, temporary exhibits are set up, and networking events, seminars, and special product launches take place. The market functions not only as a sales venue but also as a critical forum for trend-setting, education, and industry collaboration.

After the official market sessions, local retailers often sell "market samples"—furniture pieces from showroom floors—to the general public, providing an opportunity for consumers to purchase high-quality items at discounted prices.

Additional Attractions in High Point

While the market dominates the city’s calendar, High Point itself offers a variety of attractions for visitors, especially those interested in furniture and design:

Furnitureland South: The world’s largest furniture store, featuring an enormous selection of home furnishings and decor.

The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers: A 38-foot-tall landmark symbolizing High Point’s furniture heritage.

Congdon Yards: A revitalized cultural district hosting art galleries, boutique shops, cafes, and special events.

Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum: An interactive space for children offering educational exhibits.

Local dining options provide a wide variety of culinary experiences, from Southern cuisine to contemporary fare.

Market Dates and Frequency

The High Point Furniture Market is held twice a year, typically in April and October, each event lasting approximately five days. These events attract buyers and exhibitors from around the world to preview and place orders for upcoming furniture collections.

Upcoming market dates usually follow this schedule:

Spring Market: Late April (around April 25–29)

Fall Market: Late October (around October 25–29)

Summary

The High Point Furniture Market is more than just a trade show; it is a vital institution within the global furniture industry. It represents over a century of tradition, innovation, and economic importance while continuing to shape furniture trends and business relationships worldwide. The market’s immense scale, industry influence, and economic impact make it a cornerstone of both High Point’s identity and the international home furnishings market. It remains an indispensable event for anyone involved in furniture design, manufacturing, retail, or interior decoration.