The Piedmont Triad Region’s position as the International Furnishing Capital of the World is one of maturity, diversity and strength. Businesses included in this dynamic cluster number nearly 4,000 and employ more than 65,000 people while its annual economic impact on the Region is nearly $9 billion. The furnishings industry cluster includes firms involved in wood case goods, upholstery, occasional tables, entertainment, home office, accent items and outdoor furniture. It also includes those involved in accessories, fabrics, floor coverings, wall coverings and a broad range of other products.
High Point Market. For more than 100 years, the Piedmont Triad has hosted the largest furnishings trade show in the world – the International Home Furnishings Market. The Market is the single largest recurring economic impact event in the State, employing more than 50,000 primary workers and at least 50,000 in supporting roles. Attendance at Market is more than 85,000 visitors from 50 states and 110 countries twice each year visiting the 12 million square feet of showroom space in 188 buildings.
A Community Committed to Design. The creative capital devoted to furnishings design in the Piedmont Triad is unparalleled anywhere in the world. Committed to the belief that good design is the single most important component needed to dominate the world market, the creative design leadership in the Piedmont Triad is focused on marrying manufacturing and design by bringing together world-class designers and manufacturers. This requires global vision, the willingness to adopt international best practices and the ability to adapt to a changing global landscape. It also requires an educational system which supports the industry and continues to infuse the region with newly trained human capital.
Furnishings Focus. The region has many unique assets with a furniture focus including specialized transport and distribution companies, photography studios, designers, trade associations and support industries with furniture specialties such as accounting and law firms. Six of the Piedmont Triad’s universities offer furnishings-related degrees and work has begun to create advanced furnishings degree programs and a Furnishings Research and Development Center.
Together with a strategic location, transportation infrastructure including a new FedEx Mid-Atlantic Hub, exceptional supply-chain support, and an abundant skilled workforce, the Piedmont Triad is the ideal place for the furnishings industry.