Success at Recent Markets Brings New Businesses to Tupelo Furniture Market!
TUPELO, Miss., Nov. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Tupelo Furniture Market show officials, the event, now in its 27th year of operation, has experienced increased growth in new exhibit sales, especially in the last 18 months. A number of economic factors, both regionally and nationally, seem to be driving sales for the market.
"Generally speaking and over the last two years, economic indicators show sustained growth in jobs, and the housing market has stabilized," said Kevin J. Seddon, president of the Tupelo Furniture Market. "It may not be optimal yet, but when these two measurements continue to move 'northward,' our market and the furniture industry begin to see gains."
Seddon's positive interpretation of the economy may be debatable, but the increase in what would be considered first-time exhibitors to the Tupelo Furniture Market is not. In just over 12 months, Tupelo has sold exhibit space to nearly 100 companies that have not shown in Tupelo in many years.
"We have had great success in selling new business over the last 2 ½ years," explained Seddon. "We are definitely pleased with our ability to attract companies and have them showcase product in Tupelo. However, the most recent trend we have noted is that our attrition rate has decreased from market to market; thus the overall number of companies staying with us has grown."
The total number of companies that will show in Tupelo at the next furniture trade event, February 5-8, 2015, already exceeds the two previous markets, Seddon noted, and the expectation is that the net increase in total companies showing will be substantial.
According to Barbara Garrison, director of buyer recruitment for the Tupelo Furniture Market, the reason for the net gain in exhibit space sales in Tupelo is simple -- the companies that show in Tupelo are having success and are writing more orders during the market. "In the last few years we have redoubled our efforts to attract new and quality buyers to Tupelo, while also working diligently to strengthen our relationship with retailers that regularly attend our event. It's clear that our efforts are reaping rewards for companies that exhibit with us," said Garrison.
Executives at companies such as Kith Furniture, J Henry and Symbol Mattress all concur with Garrison, especially as it relates to their most recent experiences in Tupelo. "Our attendance was up 70%, and every buyer came in ready to order," said Brett Tilley, sales manager for Kith. "We write more orders in Tupelo than in High Point," added Virgil Henry, president of J Henry. "This past market was the best we've had in five years," explained Jimmy Taylor, sales manager for Symbol Mattress.
Some of the industry-leading companies that have added Tupelo to their trade show schedules include Pelican Reef, Panama Jack Outdoor, Capel Rug, Jaipur Rugs, Sunny Designs, Forever Green Art, Green Gables, Artistic Leather, Horizon Home, American Woodcrafters and Kangaroo Trading, among many others.
"We are very excited about the fact that so many companies have chosen to show in Tupelo for the first time, said Adam Cleveland, COO for the Tupelo Furniture Market. "However, we are also pleased that so many of our long-term exhibitors are having great success in Tupelo. We expect this growth to continue and look forward to a great market in February."
The 2 million-plus square feet of space for the upcoming Tupelo Market is selling quickly, according to Cleveland, but space is still available for the spring, February 5-8, 2015 event. Companies interested in securing remaining space should call 800.844.0841. For more information on exhibiting or to register to attend as a retailer, go to www.tupelofurnituremarket.com.
Contact: Kevin J. Seddon
Tel. 662.842.4442
Cell Phone. 662.816.5964
E-mail. [email protected]
SOURCE Tupelo Furniture Market
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