HPM opens registration while launching new safety initiatives

HIGH POINT, North Carolina – The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) has opened online registration for the Fall 2020 of the High Point Market, which will be held on an elongated, nine-day schedule beginning Tuesday, October 13. It is also debuting a microsite that outlines the safety measures that will be in place in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The microsite can be found at www.highpointmarket.org/hpmktsafe.

In a statement, the authority said the revised market structure will allow for social distancing and expected reduced capacity requirements within the estimated 180 or so buildings that make up the High Point Market.

During the registration process, retail buyers from Canada will be asked to select one of the three-day long attendance periods into which the event has been divided. Canada is believed to be the largest audience for the twice-yearly trade event from outside the United States. While HPMA doesn’t publish attendance figures, it’s believed between 300 and 400 Canadian furniture, mattress and home furnishings stores shop the market at least once a year.

About 85 Canadian furniture, mattress and home furnishing vendors have permanent showrooms within the market district.

The debut of the microsite is the second part of HPMA’s master safety plan. It outlines registration details and overviews the measures taken to address health and safety concerns during market. It also encourages all to plan for a safe, efficient, and productive market experience. There’s a separate page with specific information for exhibitors.

As planning progresses, the microsite will be updated regularly. In coordination with health officials, more specific guidelines for exhibitors, staff, and attendees will be shared as opening day gets closer so the most up-to-date information on the status of the pandemic can be considered.

“With the industry feeling the effects of pent-up demand for residential furnishings, access to High Point Market exhibitors and their product offerings this October will be crucial for retailers and designers,” HPMA president and chief executive officer Tom Conley said. “Our proactive efforts to implement safety measures in advance and onsite during market are a critical component of our fall market plan. Keeping the health of our industry and community a top priority, we will continue to revise and revisit the tenets of our plan to ensure we are meeting or exceeding all suggested and mandated guidelines this fall.”

Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at www.highpointmarket.org/register to receive their passes in the mail prior to market, as onsite registration options will be minimized. All registrations completed by October 2 will have their passes mailed in advance. New buyers must pre-register by October 9 so they can be approved in advance of market. 

Related Story: HPM fall dates expanded

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