Insiders Guide to Navigating High Point Market
Home Decor Trends, New Products, Events, High Point Market, Interior Design Business Practices
High Point Market: Find the ideas – and people – that can transform your business!
EVENTS: Attending High Point Market is like fashion week for home decor lasting approximately one week, where brands display their latest collections in temporary showrooms to buyers and the media. These events showcase and influence trends for the current and upcoming seasons. What colors, textures, and products will be available in the marketplace? Stay ahead, and offer your clients better direction and resources by attending High Point Market.
Are you thinking you want to go, but getting there and navigating your way around can be a little overwhelming?
Here’s my guide for attending High Point Market like a pro.
Sign up for the HPMKT- Insiders Tour and follow My Top 6 Tips for Attending Market below
High Point Market Insider’s Tour | Spring 2022| April 2nd
If this is your 1st time visiting High Point Market, consider signing up for the Insiders Tour.
Where do you start with your planning?
If you are a first-time buyer or an interior designer, today I’m sharing my Invitation to attend an “Insider’s Tour” to High Point Market ( HPMkt) , NC. with me. What to See, Who to See, and, What to Do while at HPMkt to make the most of your visit. Plus my First-Timer's Guide to High Point Market: Travel Tips, Where to Stay, What to Eat, Where to Shop
I’ve got you covered. Here are the details.
High Point Market: Spring 2022 - April 2nd - 5th
TOUR DATE: Saturday, April 2, 2022- Come to Tour HPMKT with me! SIGN UP FOR THE MARKET INSIDERS TOUR: Learn the back stories and the people behind the products.
How To Visit High Point Like a Pro
It is easier to get around High Point Market ( HPMkt) than it appears. If this is your first time attending, I recommend having someone show you how to navigate HPMkt and make to most of your time and visit.
Read More
Read these related posts to learn more about High Point Market…
High Point Market 2019: 10 Furniture Trends you must check out. HPMKT is always full of inspiration and shifts for the home decor market.
More High Point Market Highlights.: The hottest colors, textures, and changes in home decor.
What Events I Am Attending This Year: KBIS, Design Influencers Conference, and more.
Sign Up for the “ Insider’s Tour “today as spots are filling fast.
(1) Day personalized tour of High Point Market
As many can attest, attending High Point Market is a lot to take on given the geographical size and the pure volume of vendors. How does one decide how to get there, where to stay and where to go once at the market? Follow these tips, remove the stress and meet the people who will change your business.
Here are the FAQs on what to know about the High Point Market Insider’s Tour:
High Point Market Insider’s Tour – Spring 2022 is free for buyers to participate. Yes, FREE!
The application process is open from now through March 15 or until the tour fills up. Spots fill up quickly so the sooner you apply, the better chance you have in securing your spot.
You must either 1) be a newbie to High Point Market or 2) You have not attended more than one market in the last few years.
Please click here to be taken to the application form.
Please take note that the application is to make sure that you are a member of the home furnishings industry. The High Point Market Authority will review your application to make sure you satisfy the requirements listed above.
A 2019 Insiders Tour visiting a little know but famous manufacturer. It was a fun day.
Insiders Tour 2022- visiting a favored destination, THIBAUT, where they treated us like Queens, and was a visual delight. We had a great day together.
ITs all about community- Insiders Tour meet up Day 2 on our own. Meet my new friends in design.
I am excited to be leading a tour,
along with four other designers who will be leading similar tours. Click HERE to get learn more and meet the designers.
Sign up early to secure your spot. The tour is first come/first serve. Our fast pace will maximize the number of showrooms we visit and this will give you a broader overview. A one-day tour will provide you with enough information to navigate the remainder of High Point Market on your own.
I hope you can join me this April 2nd for the dvd Interior Design’s Profitability Tour. and meet makers of non-branded merchandise and brands not sold online.
From Mexico with Love.
While my first visit to HPMKT was in the ’90s, it would be 15 years before I returned to visit High Point Market on my own. Yes, I was nervous, and it was a little overwhelming, and scary, but I knew that sometimes a person needs to get out from behind their desk to meet like-minded individuals and see what is happening in our industry and most importantly, make new connections.
“Creativity is Intelligence Having Fun” - Albert Einstein
First Timers Guide: 6 Tips You Need To Know For Your Visit To High Point Market.
1. Sign Up For the High Point Markets INSIDER TOUR early.
Let me guide you on day one. We will go off the beaten path, focus on profitable and To The Trade only resources, and learn how to navigate around on your own. As mentioned above, this is a great tour designed for first-time attendees and buyers, the “INSIDERS TOUR” will fill up quickly, so book your hotel and book your place on the tour.
It’s a sunrise flight to Charlotte, NC for me.
2. Travel Advice
Air Travel and How To Get There: I fly into Charlotte, SC, then take the free HPMKT bus up to High Point, NC. If taking the shuttle bus from the airport to the market, make sure to make a reservation via the HPMkt website. There is a bus from every airport right to HPMkt. And the best part is it’s free. This is my journey, yours may differ based on your originating point.
Yes, you can fly into Greensboro which is the closest airport to HPMKT, but for me, I can save money taking the Charlotte route. especially from White Planes, NY.
Air Attire: Oh, and by the way, make sure to be dressed and awake, even if boarding a 6 am flight. Everyone you have ever met in the design industry will be on the plane so make a good impression.
I personally will be flying to Charlotte from White Plains with my design crew and friends Jana, hopefully, Laura, and Denise from my local airport. Then I hop onto the High Point Market bus and work on my phone with coffee in hand for a couple of hours.
High Point Market Map: The HPMkt triangle: Rent a car and stay in Winston Salem, NC area for a lot less, or Greensboro near the Greensboro airport.
3. Hotels or Air BnB.
Hotels: Book Early, Book Early, Book Early. That means 6 months in advance if you want to be close, or in a nice hotel in High Point, or out near the airport in Greensboro. Don’t expect anything more than clean. The other option would be to get a house with a group of people.
Use the High Point Market Concierge Service. HPMkt has blocked out a slew of rooms that are close to market, and when you use their service you get a better rate than if you go direct along with better options. Plus HPMKT offers a shuttle from the airport to the hotel and then from the hotel to the market. Each year I try a new place, usually because I don’t book early enough.
The Best Hotel? ( $$$) Hands down one of the best are the Proximity Hotel, the O’Henry, or Grandover. I haven’t stayed at any of these yet, but the word on the street is they have great rooms and one of the best restaurants and bar scenes during HPMkt in Greensboro, NC. Book in advance dinner for a visit to the Proximity, or their sister hotel O.Henry and its restaurant the Green Valley Grill. Just know you are 26 miles from Mkt. There are free buses and shuttles daily, but it’s a little while to get to market. Also, check out the Grandover Resort. It books a year in advance, but maybe you can get in.
( $$) for me, the Hampton Inn Suites is a good option in Greensboro. You are close to the Proximity Hotel restaurant for evenings.
( $$). This year you’ll find me at the Fairfield Inn in Archdale, NC, It’s only 4 miles away and I take the free HPMKT shuttle or anywhere shuttle at any time. This will be my first time at this place.
Visit the High Point Market website. They have a concierge service and they can tell you what hotel rooms are available, where they are, and if they are the shuttle route. Very helpful.
I’ve also booked in Winston Salem and rented a car. Prices for food and accommodations is much more reasonable and are the same driving distance as Greensboro’s hotel district.
How to get to and from your hotel? Don’t worry, there's transportation provided within the market itself via shuttle bus/trolley, and buses to most of the Hotels. The fee Shuttle goes everywhere, and is Great: Some locations are within walking distance from each other and the shuttle does take you to outer locations.
4. Wear your walking shoes and bring snacks and a phone charger.
The High Point Market shoe at the last market was the Golden Goose sneaker. Stylish yet comfortable. There are a few die-hards who will wear high heels, but it is not that common. ( Like my friend, and author, Courtney of “French Country Cottage” who insists on wearing heels )
5. Should I make appts with vendors, or just walk in?
Use the HPMKT app to navigate your way around.
Not sure if you should just walk into vendors & make introductions? Me, I don’t book time slots, because I find it hard to keep appointments, and just like to move around freely. Otherwise, I feel overwhelmed, and I just want to have fun! You get to see some pretty amazing things! I hope you have a fabulous time!
You will find the best Accessories are here at HPMkt.
6. Are There Events Or Seminars I Should Attend
Yes, there are events. They're all listed on the High Point Market website so you can see what's available and plan. The hard part is choosing one or two to attend. I would pick which one is your priority and plan to attend that one. Being this is your first time, I would really reserve your time for the vendors, but if you are interested, I highly encourage you to attend at least one event.
Take a look at highlights for an overview.
The Headliner Event is a must-attend. It’s always filled with surprises and delights. ( to be announced in February)
Attending nighttime parties is a fun way to cut loose and enjoy yourself, see some friends, and make some new ones. The Party at Four Hands has been my favorite to attend, but who is hosting this year?
Universal Furniture is always hosting great seminars for improving your business practices.
Always a little star power at various vendors. Last time we had fun at Made Goods, EJ Victor, Theodore Alexander, and Lillian August.
Champagne and cocktails are always good at the Proximity Hotel, the place to meet aftermarket. ( see travel tips above)
For more tips on where to go, and some moral support as you undertake a visit to High Point Market, check out the features from my previous visits here: High Point Market Recaps.
7. Where are The Best Places for Food at High Point Market?
For many, the NC food scene leaves a little to be desired while at the market, especially for dinner, so showrooms or food trucks tend to be the best source of good food. I’ve always joked about leading a food tour, and the furniture is the first priority, the food just becomes the second layer to our visits since the best food is usually at the best showrooms. Bring healthy snacks for dinner or book a table at the French Restaurant located in the Proximity Hotel for dinner! Otherwise, it’s a crap shoot for eating clean.
Proximity Hotel, Greensboro. see also the OHenry Hotel, Green Valley Grill, and Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen
Print Works Bistro, Greensboro, also has music on Wed. nights
High Point Country Club, Blue Water Grille, Lulu & Blue
Universal Furniture, best breakfast, best cocktails, and food overall
Curry and Company always offer a good lunch and a special beverage made just for the market.
Verrellan is the chicest with uber-fresh and delicious food trucks and fire pits to sit around in the past.
Four Hands: PARTAY! This California brand lives up to the expectation for the best for music, food, and attracting a fun scene. Worth staying up for.
Theodore Alexander usually has a big spread for great beverages and food, but they have recently been bought out, and the new owners are not offering the usual delights.
This vendor does not sell on the internet. They do offer customization TTT. ( To the Trade)
Recap My Top Tips:
Try and go early - this will give you time to acclimate and organize. If you are a buyer, this is the time to scoop up the best samples for your shop.
MARKET TOURS: Join my free “ Insiders Tour “ on Saturday, April 2nd, so you can Relax & Enjoy!, and increase your profitability with a preview of select vendors.
Book your hotel through the HPMkt Concierge Service for the best prices and locations and book early. You do need to book 6-3 mos in advance to have your choice, otherwise, you get what you get, and you don’t get upset. ( or you go further out and rent a car. )
The High Point Market app. is helpful for organizing your day and finding vendors you want to visit.
COMFY shoes are a MUST! and stay hydrated.
Visiting Showrooms, for me, I do not make any appointments, I just walk into vendors.
The Free Shuttle Is Great: Just be prepared for how long it usually takes to get on a shuttle and the bus from the hotel to the market.
Try to be in bed by 10pm!
Have fun!
Join the Insider’s Tour!
Are you a buyer or interior designer thinking of attending @highpointmarket in April? Are you feeling a little nervous or overwhelmed because you have never been or haven’t been for a few years?
( Everyone feels this way the first few visits. )
I will be leading a group to my favorite showrooms that will help you increase your profits and keep your clients from shopping you. I hope you can join me this April 2nd for the dvd Interior Design’s Profitability Tour. and meet some of my favorite TTT makers of non-branded merchandise and brands not sold online.
Please join me for a one-day-only guided “Insider’s Tour” for free. Yes, it is free. This is the best way to start your High Point Market education and make it memorable and productive. Buying product is the key ingredient for making money. This tour will showcase vendors who will help make you a healthy return.
See the latest resources for OUTDOOR FURNITURE
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The Insider’s Tour is a collaboration between High Point Market Authority and Esteem Media, the parent company of the Design Influencers Conference.
Meet New Vendors for Your Business
MEET THE AUTHOR: Deborah von Donop
Deborah is the mom, wife, and design lover behind dvd Interior Design. She is obsessed with creating a timeless and authentic home. She has been an Interior Designer since 2003, guiding clients with functional layouts, the best products and finishes, and sharing her expertise in interior kitchen design and cabinetry. Deborah writes weekly and is also a contributor to Aspire Magazine, iBlog, Lush Design, a speaker on social media and digital products, and more!
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Are you interested in a first-timer group?
I hope you found this post helpful and have found a first timers group and joined up. It helps a lot. HPMkt is huge, overwhelming and intimidating, and exhausting. But so worth it.
HIGH POINT MARKET TOURS with Deborah von Donop: Increase Your Profits With These Vendors. Interior design Resources: Meet makers of non-branded merchandise:
Discover the ideas – and meet the people that can transform your business. Its also fun.
Join Me for an insiders tour of vendors whose products will increase your profitability.
I’m leading the Insider’s Tour, which is a one-day High Point sponsored tour that is designed to give market newbies an overview of the market and to get them acclimated to the lay of the land. Because it is sponsored by High Point market, it is free and is open to 15 attendees. This market will be my 8th leading the tour and we go to about 12-14 showrooms all around High Point, an educational event and a social event. My tour focuses on showrooms that either do not sell online or offer a degree of customization ( so clients can’t shop you) Signups are on the HPMkt site in the next couple of weeks …. or you can also DM me for more info.
The Insider’s Tour of High Point Market- dvd Interior Design Profitability Tour
“ Once you start putting your creative energy into your space, you will start to feel something for that space that you didn’t feel before! “ - Deborah von Donop - dvd Interior Design
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