Blog: Deserted High Point Market interrupts industry’s rhythm

Traffic was light at the recent High Point Market. Extremely light.

I saw only two familiar faces, both of them members of our video team. They were there to shoot some of our Bedding Insights videos, which have been a regular feature on my calendar in recent years, thanks to the support of sponsor Symbol Mattress.

My 72nd High Point Market last month was unlike any other. That’s because it was the market that wasn’t.

For only the second time in its storied history, which began in 1909, the High Point Market was cancelled. The first time was in 1942 when a world war was raging. Another kind of world war is raging now, this one sparked by a virus.

Industry friends have reacted with amazement at the pictures of a deserted High Point market district that have been making the rounds. My Bedding Insights video that ran at the first of the month showed me standing in splendid isolation outside the Commerce Street entrance to the International Home Furnishings Center, the market’s front door.

While the Las Vegas Market is Bedding Central, with more than 100 bedding showrooms, High Point offers some two dozen bedding showrooms, spread out across the market.

So I’ve got more time to make my market rounds. I can stay longer in bedding showrooms, maybe enjoy a Jersey Mike’s sub at Paramount’s sunny Wrenn Street showroom, or sip some Ole Smoky Moonshine at a charity event at MLily USA, or savor the M&Ms at Therapedic. And, best of all, I can have in-depth conversations about what is happening in Mattressville and why.

Those conversations are more important than ever as we navigate our way through these uncharted waters. As I continue to shelter in place in High Point, I feel disconnected from the industry I love. Markets are the beating hearts of our industry. We respond to their rhythms. We are inspired by the energy they generate. We learn new things about our ever-changing industry when we all get together at market.

I missed all that the other day when I walked the lonely corridor that links Showplace and the International Home Furnishings Center. The buildings were strangely silent on a day when they should have been bustling.

But this time of crisis will pass, and it will feel good to be back together again in High Point. I’m looking forward to that day.