A lot of people have been wondering whether there will actually be a fall furniture market in High Point given the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

However, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, High Point Market Authority President and CEO Tom Conley said it’s currently full steam ahead.

Conley said the Market Authority has been working with the governor’s office and the Guilford County Department of Public Health to create a successful, safe furniture market this year.

Many large fall events in North Carolina – and across the nation – have been canceled due to the pandemic restrictions, and Conley said that clearly the 2020 fall furniture market will look a lot different than previous markets. He said the Market Authority submitted a plan to state officials, who had suggested changes – and the market had implemented every change suggested.  

Conley added that the county’s health department had been a terrific help in coming up with a workable plan.

“They’ve been fantastic – they’ve been great,” Conley said of local health officials.

One of the protective strategies has been to extend the furniture market’s activities across more space and over a longer period of time to allow more social distancing. To control the flow of attendees, the Authority has arranged for three, three-day periods for people to attend: October 13-15, October 16-18 and October 19-21.

Conley said the only thing that could disrupt current plans is if North Carolina’s coronavirus numbers saw a large increase in the coming weeks and the state took a step back on the current phased reopening, but he added that he didn’t see that as likely given the state of things in North Carolina today.

While the market is scheduled to take place, several High Point officials pointed out that its expected to be a lot smaller than in previous years because many international furniture exhibitors and clients will choose not to make the trip, and anyone coming from New York and some other areas may have to quarantine upon return if they attend the market.