What Is Market And Why You Should Care

If you’ve spoken with anyone in the design industry, you might have heard of them “going to market”. I’m here to help explain what market is, and why it matters to you as a client. 

Interior design markets are trade shows where manufacturers in the industry come together in one location to show off their latest products. These markets are usually the trendsetters for the year. The goal of the manufacturers who attend is to educate designers about their products and entice them to specify their products in upcoming projects. These markets are hosted in different locations at different times of the year, but a few of the most popular ones are listed below.

NEOCON: Neocon is a commercially focused market located in Chicago every summer. It has been an organization since 1969 and totes itself as the “most important event of the year for the commercial design industry”. All the vendors are in one building and are displayed as showrooms instead of booths. These commercial vendors offer office furniture, commercial-grade textiles, privacy partitions, and more. 

HIGHPOINT: The Highpoint market is a residential market hosted in Highpoint, North Carolina, which is known as the “home furnishings capital of the world”. Located in different buildings throughout the city, showrooms are set up to display furniture, lighting, rugs, textiles, wall coverings, and accessories. HPMKT is held twice a year, in the spring and fall. 

HD EXPO: This market is held in Las Vegas, and is a hospitality-focused design conference. Hospitality design includes restaurants, casinos, spas, and gyms. Hosted every spring in the Mandalay Bay hotel, this market showcases industry-specific commercial flooring, wall coverings, fixtures, spa chairs, and more. 

SURFACES: Surfaces is another market held in Las Vegas, but is specific to the floor covering industry. If your designer needs to learn more in-depth about carpet, tile, hardwood, or luxury vinyl planks, this is the show for them. 

BDNY: Boutique Design New York is of course in New York, in the Javits Center. This is a market that caters to high-end, custom, hospitality experiences. 

So why should these markets matter to a general consumer? Only interior design professionals are allowed to register for these events, so if your designer tells you they have been to market, any market, you should be excited! Going to market means that your designer not only has been updated on the latest trends but has been educated and trained as well. They have actually felt and used the products they will be specifying for your home or business. They have met and built relationships with industry reps, which is the secret to getting special favors. They have collaborated with other designers, architects, and builders. All of this knowledge and networking only serves to benefit you as the end-user to receive quality pieces. The next time you talk to your designer, ask them what markets they have been to and what their favorite trends are. This can provide great inspiration for your next project.

XOXO

Holly