This month, the interior design community will make its way to High Point Market in North Carolina to preview industry manufacturers’ forthcoming debuts in furniture, lighting, decor, and more and to scope out upcoming interiors trends. Here, AD PRO maps out the furniture industry’s largest trade show in North America and explains everything you need to know about this fall’s edition.
What, When, and Where It Is
High Point Market is a semiannual furniture design show, held in April and October, open exclusively to the trade. Located in downtown High Point, North Carolina, the show draws more than 75,000 interior designers, architects, and home furnishings buyers each season. Official show dates for the spring edition are October 14 through 18.
How to Buy a Ticket
Ticket lines at the fair will take away valuable product-viewing time, so we recommend registering for the fair ahead of time online. Passes can also be picked up on-site at any major market building, including the International Buyers Center, Market Square, and IHFC. For those looking to outsource the hassle, High Point Market Authority‘s Market Concierge provides assistance for booking travel, shuttle transportation, hotels—and even offers a local’s suggestion on where to eat after a long day at the market.
How to Get to High Point Market
High Point Market spans more than 11 million square feet of showrooms in downtown High Point, North Carolina’s downtown district (though there are several can’t-miss showrooms in the great city limits, too). Interstates 85 and 40 provide direct access for commuters, while airports in neighboring cities Greensboro (GSO), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), and Charlotte (CLT) offer free shuttles to Market multiple times a day. Luggage and coat checks are available at Showplace and the IHFC Commerce Wing.
What to Know About the Fair
Millions of square feet of show space calls for a well-planned schedule—and, of course, comfortable shoes. The fair’s 2,000-plus exhibitors span emerging makers to legacy furniture houses and the Antique & Design Center, a designer favorite for one-of-a-kind finds. For fair first-timers, Market’s official tours can be a great resource. Reserve a spot on the networking-focused Insider’s Tour or the various Style Spotters routes, which survey the trends in artisanal works, upholstery, lighting, and more.
The city’s downtown shuttles conveniently transport attendees from building to building free of charge during market, but private shuttles or car services can be ordered in advance for those looking to be ultra-efficient.
Where to Eat at High Point Market
Come lunchtime, the city’s best-kept secret is Parson’s Table, a bake sale–style fundraiser featuring homemade sandwiches, salads, and desserts located in the First United Methodist Church a short walk north of downtown. (Those in a rush can also experience a pop-up version downtown at The Point.) Market main streets like Commerce Avenue and South Elm Street also host a bevy of take-to-go food trucks. And select showrooms, such as Universal, offer dining options for visitors.
