Shopping In NC

Furniture Shopping In High Point

Every April and October, High Point becomes the center of the universe for the furniture industry. It is then that more than 85,000 furnishing industry buyers descend upon North Carolina to see and buy the latest products at the world’s largest home furnishings event, the High Point Market.

The general public isn’t invited to these twice-a-year events, but the Market’s presence here, along with a high concentration of furniture manufacturers and stores, has made High Point the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World™”, and a great place for anyone to shop for all types of furnishings at amazing prices.

You won’t have any trouble finding a place to shop. High Point is home to more than 50 retail furniture outlets, including the largest furniture store in the world, Furnitureland South in nearby Jamestown. But don’t leave it to chance. Contact the High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, and have them send you one of their furniture shopping packets.

If you’re planning a multiple-day furniture-shopping trip, be sure to take part in the High Point area’s Passport to Savings program. The passport offers discounts on accommodations, furniture shopping, restaurants, attractions, and services. All you have to do is go to www.highpoint.org, and click on the "Passport to Savings" icon.

Here are a few shopping tips from some of High Point's furniture experts:

Preparation begins at home: Make a list of what you are looking for before you travel to High Point. Answer some questions: What styles work in my home? What’s my budget? What is my top priority? With these questions answered, you’ll have a better idea of which stores to visit first.
Allow enough time to look: Give yourself one day per room of furniture you’re shopping for. Don’t be shy if you don’t see what you are looking for. It’s impossible to have everything out in the showroom, so ask an associate for help. Many stores have designers on staff to answer interior design questions, too. Take notes.
Take an occasional break: Sit down, relax, have a snack and review your notes.
Bring samples: Carpet samples, drapery samples, paint and wallpaper samples, whatever you're trying to match or complement. Don't trust your memory when selecting a major piece of furniture. It's a lot easier to pull out a swatch and know for sure that the apricot in the couch you just adore will work with the pattern of your drapes.
Try out the furniture to be sure it feels comfortable: Sit on the couch, lie on the bed, pull out the drawers and check how the leaf fits in the table. Make sure your purchase is right for you before you get it home.

Now, if you want to delve deeper into High Point’s furniture significance and history there are several attractions in High Point that are open to the public and are great resources for in-depth furniture research:

The High Point Museum at 1859 East Lexington Avenue is a great place to start. There are several displays that chronicle the city’s rise from a back country community to furniture prominence, including the recently opened “High Point’s Furniture Heritage” exhibit.

Next, hit the books at the Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library at 1009 North Main Street, where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of books on the history of furniture. This free library helps you move up the ranks to a professional before you hit the furniture showrooms.

For a great furniture shopping photo op, swing by 508 North Hamilton Street. There, you’ll find a four-story building in the shape of an 18th century chest of drawers. Built in 1926 to call attention to High Point’s status as the "Home Furnishings Capital of the World™," today it is home to the High Point Jaycees.

So, whether you’re making a quick trip to find a favorite knickknack, staying a few days to find furnishings for your entire home, or just interested in the history and heritage of American furniture making, High Point is the place to be.

added: December 22, 2008
updated: February 2, 2010

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