Showtime draws fabric buyers to High Point this week

Larry Thomas -- Home Textiles Today, 6/5/2012 12:50:38 PM

High Point, N.C. - Despite sluggish retail conditions in recent weeks, fabric and leather suppliers exhibiting at this week's Showtime here said business remains brisk as furniture producers finalize fall product lines.
Many exhibitors said they have a full slate of appointment throughout the show, which runs until 3 p.m. Wednesday, and said producers continue to be upbeat.
"We have been extremely busy," said Mike Shelton, ceo of Valdese Weavers, as buyers moved through the adjoining Valdese and Circa 1801 showrooms at a steady pace. "The response has been incredible. We're fully booked through Wednesday. We're anticipating seeing more customers than at any other Showtime."
Shelton and several other exhibitors said the upbeat Showtime reflects a continuation of the strong business they have experience throughout the year.
"Our business has been strong since November," said Joe Franck, vice president of the upholstery division at Carroll Leather. "We're having a very good year."
This week's event features 21 new exhibitors from Turkey, Taiwan and China. They are showing in a newly created International Pavilion at the Suites at Market Square, where Showtime's temporary exhibit spaces are located.