Whether you’re a designer specializing in construction and remodeling or primarily focused on furniture projects, High Point Market is an event that brings excitement every season. Just in case it hasn’t crossed your radar, High Point Market is the largest and most influential home furnishings trade show in the world, setting the trends and showcasing the latest innovations in interior design.
I am especially excited this October because it is my first time attending. For me, that means nothing but opportunities to connect with manufacturers and ask them pointed questions about their sustainability practices so we can add even more resources to our sustainable sourcing directory. The other exciting thing I want to share is that I will speak on an important topic that all designers can relate to on a panel hosted by The Designers Collaborative.
Finding Your Go-To Vendors
The panel’s topic is one that any designer can benefit from, regardless of their design aesthetic, price point, or location. How do you find your favorite sustainable vendors or lines, and what criteria are you using to determine which will best fit your practice?
I am excited to bring the sustainability perspective to this conversation. This is not only because it has been an industry topic that is gaining popularity, but also because, to continue to thrive in this industry, it has become an interior design practice standard. With nearly 80% of consumers willing to pay more for sustainable interior design options and those consumers looking to support businesses that offer eco-friendly interior design over others, if you don’t know how to determine whether a line is made sustainably or not, you will soon be missing out on business opportunities.
I’ll share what I look for when evaluating whether a line will make the cut and give tips on what you can look for. I encourage you to register for the in-person panel on October 28, 2024. Click HERE to register online for free.
Key Questions to Ask Vendors at High Point Market (Or Any Trade Event)
When evaluating whether a line you have not yet used is a good fit for your clients, you are likely looking at craftsmanship, durability, variety of finishes, and customization. But are you asking key questions in your preliminary conversations to help you determine whether this line has included harmful chemicals in the finishes, foams, or sealants? Have you considered that the production of many interior design products negatively impact the planet? It’s important that you know what to work into your conversation, whether at High Point or any other trade show or industry event.
You don’t want to come off as intrusive or demanding by asking too many questions at once. Instead, work a few key topics into the conversation you are already having about the line as you explore their fabrics, finishes, and comfort/fit of the pieces on the floor. I usually like to uncover the following at any show or connection with a new manufacturer.
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- Where the product is made: When attending High Point Market, you’ll be running into mostly USA-made furnishings, so this question might be one to skip over, but don’t underestimate the power of knowing where something comes from. This tells us how far ‘it’ must travel to get to your client, and the farther it travels, the higher the carbon emissions.
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- The materials: Often, it’s obvious to see a wooden case piece or metal light fixture, but when it comes to fabrics, foams, and all the stuff inside that you can’t see or feel, it’s worth knowing about the raw materials. Some raw materials contain toxins or require environmentally damaging processes to create.
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- What matters to you most: Some designers want to know whether the workers are treated and paid fairly, while others are looking for furniture free of animal byproducts. Pick your passion – carbon, chemicals, or raw goods.
Stuck on How to Ask?
We’ve got a guide for that! Drop your email here, and you will receive our free sustainability guide. It will get you started on what questions to ask and how to naturally incorporate them into your conversations. Head into your next showroom meeting confidently and come away with meaningful answers.
Not able to attend HPMKT? Not in the furniture sector?
The resources and insights in this guide are just as useful for any trade show, showroom, or interaction with vendors and trade representatives. You can subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with sustainable design trends, tools, virtual events, and resources, delivered free to your inbox each month!
Looking Ahead to High Point Market
I hope to see you for brunch before the panel at High Point – please catch me and say hello! Nothing makes me happier than sharing my sustainability insights and helping you elevate your design projects with greener choices.
Whether attending the market or staying engaged from afar, now is the perfect time to deepen your sustainability knowledge and join a community dedicated to responsible design.
By becoming an ID greenList member, you’ll gain access to exclusive resources like The greenLIST Vendors Directory, accredited CEUs, and a network of like-minded designers.
Ready to make sustainable sourcing easier and more impactful? Join ID greenList today and start transforming the way you design.
