HFC Expands, Renovates InterHall

Furniture World Magazine

Retailers attending High Point’s Premarket this week at the International Home Furnishings Center will preview a dramatic work in progress nearing completion – the total renovation and expansion of InterHall as an exciting first impression to the industry’s most comprehensive home furnishings showroom complex. The IHFC says that the $1.2 million project is their response to intense demand for space in InterHall – "the market’s premier discovery area". The new InterHall will feature six aisles of fashion-forward exhibitors offering a full spectrum of home furnishings. “These changes are not only welcome, but will have a huge impact for buyers and exhibitors who can benefit from this upbeat, 21st century space,” says long-time exhibitor Peter Scheetz of Palu, Ltd. More than a year in planning, and six months of construction beginning last April, the renovation preserves InterHall's open, engaging appeal. The design integrates spacious and carpeted aisles that complement the stylish stained concrete floor of each showroom space. Decorative and functional sconces line each aisle and complement the new modern signage and halogen track lighting. “We’re tremendously excited about the changes, which we believe will bring additional exposure and interest to our products,” says new exhibitor Paul Delaisse of Central Station Original Interiors. “Our close proximity with related high-end exhibitors will provide an easier shopping experience for our subset of like-minded customers.” The new InterHall will also feature four fashion-driven showcases by IHFC exhibitors - a new concept at market. The dramatic, design-inspiring showcases include Excelsior – presenting the Nicole Miller Collection, Laneventure - featuring Celerie Kimble, Carter Furniture – introducing a new collection by Rick Lee and the best of Italian Contemporary. "We’ve responded to what retailers and designers have demanded from us," said Thomas M. Lindh, president/CEO of IHFC, "and that is to give them a dynamic shopping-discovery center of the hottest, freshest and newest merchandise from a great mix of progressive, well-known and up-and-coming resources." The project follows -- and extends -- last year's massive multi-million dollar renovation of the Commerce lobby, that transformed IHFC's main entrance into a modern, upscale environment. InterHall, which has been wildly popular since opening as part of the new Hamilton Wing in 1990, awaits buyers as they enter the must-see destination location at market. Opening in 1921, IHFC was the original showroom building in High Point and after 85 years of expansion remains the centerpiece of the world’s largest home-furnishings trade show that attracts more than 90,000 participants twice a year to 2,600 showrooms covering 11.5 million square feet. As “Market Central,” IHFC alone is home to 650 of the leading home-furnishings manufacturers, including 13 of the top 20 companies, and covers 3.5 million square feet.