British & Korean Retailers To Discuss Design & Style At High Point Seminar

Furniture World Magazine

Influential Korean and British retailers will discuss successful merchandising strategies, designs and styles in their respective markets during an April 10 High Point Market breakfast meeting on the impact of American furniture exports. Y.H. Kim of The Gallery, a 15-unit Korean chain, and Simon Hilton, of two-unit Brown Antiques in London, will describe how American furniture and decorative accessories fit successfully into their merchandise assortments. They are participating in “Seizing Furniture Export Opportunities,” a program that includes a discussion of United States negotiated Free Trade from 7:30 a.m. to 9 o’clock in Ballroom B on, Club Level, Green wing of the International Home Furnishings Center. No reservations are required, although seating is limited, A complimentary buffet breakfast will be available. Co-sponsored by the International Home Furnishings Center and the High Point Market Authority, the meeting’s focus on Free Trade Agreements highlights ways exporters can compete more effectively in the global economy, in addition to learning from major foreign retailers about American furniture acceptance in their markets. “Exports are a bright spot for manufacturers wanting to increase business, especially now with the dollar’s favorable exchange rate,” said Tom Lindh, IHFC president and chief executive officer. “Learning how to take advantage of Free Trade Agreements can be extremely helpful to our American furniture manufacturers.” International trade economist, Patrick Kirwan will detail how FTAs strengthen export business by eliminating or reducing tariff rates, improving intellectual property regulations, opening government procurement opportunities and easing investment rules. He serves as senior staff director, Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee in the International Trade Administration (ITA), United States Department of Commerce. The balance of the breakfast meeting features export insights from Jay Reardon, president of Hickory Chair. He will discuss his company’s emerging export program within an institutional context of, “As an industry, let’s work together to find ways to lower export costs for all companies so we can sell more American furniture in foreign markets.” About the High Point Market Authority: The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor of the High Point Market in High Point, North Carolina. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style and price point, encompassing some 12 million square feet of exhibit space, and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 110 countries twice each year, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry. For additional information, visit www.highpointmarket.org. About the International Home Furnishings Center: Opening in 1921, IHFC was the original showroom building in High Point and after 87 years of expansion remains the centerpiece of the High Point Market, the world’s largest home-furnishings trade show. IHFC alone is home to 650 of the leading home-furnishings manufacturers, including 15 of the top 20 companies, and encompasses 3.5 million square feet.