Market Scouts to help retailers and designers at High Point Market
Staff -- Home Accents Today, 3/1/2007
As part of its efforts to improve the High Point Market experience, the High Point Market Authority joined forces with key High Point University educators in its department of Home Furnishings & Design and Earl N. Phillips School of Business to develop a program designed to assist retail buyers and interior designers.
Called Market Scouts, the program trains High Point University students interested in learning more about the market and the home furnishings business to work as guides or "scouts" during the show. Market attendees can book time with a Market Scout to help them more easily navigate the market and/or identify new sources. There is no charge to the market-goer for this new service.
Brian D. Casey, president and CEO of the Market Authority, said buyers who call for information will be asked to identify a specific product category of interest, as well as a desired meeting time during market.
"Once we've ascertained what you're looking for, we'll assign a Market Scout to be your liaison here at market," Casey said. "Prior to your arrival, the scout will research the product category you're interested in and prepare a brief report for you featuring sources they have identified that they believe will most likely fulfill your needs. Upon your approval, the scout will then prepare an itinerary that maps an efficient route between the showrooms featuring the products you're seeking."
The buyer or interior designer will meet the Market Scout assigned to them at the Market Authority Information Booth, located in the downtown Transportation Terminal. The Market Scout will guide their market guest along the showroom route they've prepared, personally accompanying them from showroom to showroom.
"We hope that the Market Scout Program will be a win-win situation for market visitors and our students," said Dr. Richard R. Bennington, chair of the High Point University home furnishings and design department. "It will be a valuable experience for our students, in addition to helping market visitors better organize their time in High Point."
The Market Authority expects this program to help make Market more manageable for buyers and designers new to High Point, Casey said. "With some 12 million square feet of showroom space, we know that the sheer size of market can be daunting for many attendees. Like the Insider's Guide Market directory that we launched at Market last Fall — which was created to help first-time visitors, small independents and interior designers more quickly identify the showrooms where they are most welcome — the Market Scouts program is designed to help Market attendees make the most efficient use of their time here."
Retailers and interior designers interested in reserving a time slot with a Market Scout should call the Market Authority at 336-869-1000, ext. 227.
Brian D. Casey
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