High Point Market 2026: The Insider's Guide to Getting It Right

High Point Market is open to the trade only, so you'll need to register with proof that you work in the home furnishings industry. Registration is free for buyers, media and exhibitors. Other industry professionals can buy an industry pass for $55. Children under 15 aren't permitted.

High Point sits about 85 miles from both Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, and closer still to Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro. The best news: almost everything is covered by free shuttles.

• •From the airport:

  free shuttles run from Greensboro (no reservation needed), Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham (reservations required).

• •Driving in:

  park at the free Park & Ride lot at 921 Eastchester Drive and take the shuttle downtown.

• •Around the district:

  downtown and “go-anywhere” shuttles connect the showroom buildings, with the Transportation Terminal on East Commerce Avenue as the main hub. There's no parking at the Terminal itself.

• •Staying nearby:

  hotels in Greensboro and Winston-Salem fill up early but offer free shuttles to Market. Book your room the moment your dates are set.

Trying to see everything is the most common first-timer mistake. A plan beats stamina every time.

1. 1.Day 1 (Saturday): Lock in your must-sees.

   Visit your key vendors early, while showrooms are calm and sales reps have time to talk.

2. 2.Day 2 (Sunday): Explore.

   Walk the buildings you don't normally visit. This is where you'll find new suppliers and the pieces your competitors haven't seen.

3. 3.Day 3 (Monday): Learn and connect.

   Catch a panel or tour at The Point, Market's hub for education and networking, then follow up on Day 2 discoveries.

4. 4.Day 4 (Tuesday): Compare and negotiate.

   Revisit your shortlist, check pricing and terms side by side, and confirm the details before you commit.

5. 5.Day 5 (Wednesday): Close it out.

   Market ends at 5 p.m. Finalize orders in the morning and leave time for one last look.

1. 1.Plan in the app.

   Use My Market to map your showrooms and save appointments before you arrive.

2. 2.Group by building.

   Plan each day around one area. Crossing town between appointments eats hours.

3. 3.Book appointments with key vendors.

   Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments get you real time with the right people.

4. 4.Wear your most comfortable shoes.

   You'll walk miles each day. This isn't the time for new shoes.

5. 5.Ask before you photograph.

   Many showrooms require permission to take pictures.

6. 6.Take notes per vendor.

   Record prices, minimums and ship dates right after each visit, before showrooms start to blur together.

7. 7.Carry a charger.

   Between the app, photos and email, your phone won't last the day.

8. 8.Eat early or late.

   Lunch lines peak around noon. Plan around them.

9. 9.Leave white space.

   The best finds are often unplanned, so keep an hour a day open.

10. 10.Check out the extras.

    There's a medical unit, luggage check at IHFC and wheelchair and scooter rentals if you need them.

Falling in love with a collection is easy. Making sure it shows up on time, complete and on budget is where smart buyers win. Ask every supplier:

1. 1.What's in stock right now,

   and what's still in production?

2. 2.When will it actually ship,

   and is that date confirmed or estimated?

3. 3.Can I get the complete set?

   Sofas, tables and rugs bought as a room need to arrive together.

4. 4.What are the minimums

   and the reorder lead times?

5. 5.How is freight handled,

   and who pays for it?

6. 6.What happens if something arrives damaged?

   Get the claims process in writing.

Suppliers who can answer these on the spot usually have their operations under control. That's a good sign for every order that follows.

The orders you write at Market only pay off if what happens next goes smoothly.

• •Day 1 home:

  send follow-ups and confirm every order in writing.

• •Day 2:

  update your inventory plans with what's coming and when.

• •Day 3:

  share ship dates with your sales team, so they sell what's actually on its way.

This is where good software earns its keep. For home furnishing wholesalers and distributors, SPARS ERP connects inventory, orders, purchasing and reporting in one place, so the promises made at Market turn into deliveries that arrive on time.

Our sales manager, Mr. Ateeb Ahmed, will be at Market this fall. If inventory, orders or rug and broadloom management are on your mind, let's talk. Email sales@sparsus.com to set up a time.

Not going this time? Book a demo of SPARS and see it in action from your desk.

Market details are based on information published by the High Point Market Authority. Check highpointmarket.org for the latest updates before you travel.