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Rug Executives Expect High Buyer Turnout, Strong Sales at High Point Market

High Point area rug showrooms are reporting strong appointments and commitments, and foresee robust order writing -- the highest level since the pandemic began -- at the June event.

Lisa Vincenti
6/4/2021
people entering building
Buyers enter a High Point Market building to shop and browse the show.

HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Area rug executives are geared up for strong turnout at the June edition of High Point Market and count on in-stock area rug debuts to drive order writing.

In fact, as more Americans receive their COVID-19 vaccines and more states loosen restrictions, many area rug players say that they will be seeing customers who haven't attended in-person markets in more than a year and a half -- and those buyers are hungry for new product to update their assortments or complete projects ASAP.

“We are looking forward to a strong order writing environment with buyers in need of new and stocked products that can refresh a retail floor or put finishing touches on a project,” -- Satya Tiwari, president, Surya

“We are looking forward to a strong order writing environment with buyers in need of new and stocked products that can refresh a retail floor or put finishing touches on a project,” Satya Tiwari, president of Surya, said, pointing out that Surya is heading to the June event with more than 900 new area rug designs. “Despite concerns across the industry about availability, we are dedicated to providing our customers with industry-leading fill rates and delivery time. With the broadest assortment of ready-to-ship, fashion-forward rugs and accessories in the industry, Surya is a go-to resource for retailers and designers in 2021.”

The sentiment is echoed by Harounian Rugs International's (HRI's) Greg Jordt, executive vice president, sales & marketing, who said, "It looks like the strong attendance trend that we saw at the Vegas market [in April] is going to continue at this June market in High Point. We were more than pleased ... frankly surprised not only by the traffic in Vegas but the very high ratio of orders written to showroom visits, much higher than a 'normal' market. Our sales reps are reporting increases over pre-covid numbers of customers and potential customers who plan on attending and seeing us during High Point -- many customers attending have not been to a market since summer/fall of 2019."

“We were more than pleased ... frankly surprised not only by the traffic in Vegas but the very high ratio of orders written to showroom visits,” -- Greg Jordt, executive vice president, sales & marketing, HRI

The experience at Feizy at the postponed Las Vegas Market in April was similar and Justin Yeck, Feizy VP, told RugNews.com, "We ended up 130 percent [at April Vegas Market] over pre-pandemic January Las Vegas numbers. I anticipate an even stronger High Point Market. People are getting more comfortable traveling and with the vaccine numbers where they are, I expect us to be extremely busy! People are going to market see everything they haven’t seen in over a year."

Likewise, Momeni's Reza Momeni is also predicting the strongest in-person market since the pandemic hit in early 2020. "We are thrilled to be back in High Point this summer launching over 20 new collections. With countries reopening and factories getting back to work, we are confident this is a sign that the home industry will be seeing some normalcy. We are eager to get back to selling during markets and hope it only gets better in the Fall!"

"We ended up 130 percent [at April Vegas Market] over pre-pandemic January Las Vegas numbers. I anticipate an even stronger High Point Market,” -- Justin Yeck, VP, Feizy

At high-end rug manufacturer such as S&H Rugs and Tamarian expectations are also optimistic. In fact, both Tamarian and S&H Rugs are expanding their footprint for the upcoming High Point. Ori Wilbush, S&H Rugs' founder, said, "All the decorators and designers we work with said they are coming and this June market is set up to be promising. Our product is very tactile and this in-person representation is invaluable."

Said Ned Baker, Tamarian's key account manager, "We feel it will be a great market with people reemerging and with the rug market still demanding goods, the timing is right. The collections we have are exciting and there is an array of new things to share.

"While trends are finicky and fast, the demand for interior goods, including area rugs, is there, and available inventory even more important," Baker added. "Tamarian’s Program is well stocked for this occasion, with oversize pieces in 12x15 and 13x18 being especially coveted."

Nourison, which attended High Point Pre-Market, is introducing 50 new rugs for June market-goers and is upbeat as well. "We hope to see increased attendance at June market, including appointments and walk-ins and continued strong demand for one-of-a-kind rugs and outdoor rugs and accessories," Giovanni Marra, director of marketing, said. "Buyers are looking for products that are in-stock and ready to ship."

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