The High Point Market Authority issued almost 84,000 badges for its market in October, a drop of about 1% from fall 2006, the group said last month.

The 83,974 registrations included 47,441 for buyers and 29,115 for exhibitors and sales reps.

Last fall, registrations totaled 84,976.

Other figures, however, were more positive. “We once again saw an increase in the number of first-time visitors to High Point Market,” said Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive officer of the market authority. “In fact, 4,625 buyers that have never visited High Point in the past registered to attend this Market. We also saw the return of another 3,030 buyers that have not registered for the High Point Market within the past two years or more.”

He attributed these stronger figures to the authority's successful outreach and re-branding efforts.

The expansions of markets, the sluggish economy and the surge of Internet business have created a different dynamic for current marketgoers. In a tough business climate, retailers who stay in the office and shop online “are compromising their competitive advantage,” he said. “It certainly isn't an in-depth investigation and review” of the marketplace.

This year's registration numbers include about 5,660 industry passes issued to suppliers, along with 487 passes for market workers. An additional 1,271 day passes were issued to students, guests and market volunteers.

These figures do not include an additional 450 badges issued through the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) to the national consumer, trade press and international correspondents.