A Perspective on the Furniture Market

Whew! No sooner do we get back from AmericasMart, our local Spring Interior Design and Remodeling Show, and Las Vegas World Market center, than we have to gear up to start all over again in Atlanta! I know the thought on everybody's mind is the economy. I've spoken to optimistic interior designers, terrified furniture store owners, and home owners all over the country.

Visiting all of these trade shows gives us a unique perspective. Sure, attendance is down, with reports ranging anywhere from 2%-15%, but buyers are still out there making deals. Big deals. One thing to keep in mind is that corporate furniture stores can't afford to send 8 buyers to a market anymore. These businesses are running lean, and doing similar levels of business with only 2 or 3 buyers present.

Value-engineered is in. Drop ship capable items and stateside warehousing are some of the most sought after items at a market. Buyers are more selective, as we've heard many market exhibitors tell us about busy days with very few entries in their order book. Sorry to iterate the tired saying, but the mother of invention is necessity. Manufacturers are quickly learning that to be successful stay alive, they have to be dynamic, aggressive, and clever.

It will be interesting to see what new companies emerge from these troubled economic times.