HPxD and High Point Showroom Association have announced that they have merged under the HPxD moniker. The merger brings about 60 unique designer-brand showrooms together under the HPxD umbrella.
While diverse, independent and storied, all HPxD brand flagships are focusing on establishing High Point as a year-round center for design and creativity. This change begins in an iterative process — responsive and respectful of the current health crisis — with the opening of exclusive flagship showrooms outside traditional High Point Market dates by appointment, during special events or daily. Importantly, flagship access is via a dual channel: some HPxD showrooms are open exclusively to the trade; others are open to all.
Tom Van Dessel, Splashworks owner and HPxD chairman, explains: “The positive energy in High Point right now is amazing. First Tuesday followed HPxD, organizing and opening their retail-buyer oriented showrooms for monthly events. The Market Authority hosts the twice-yearly trade show and has now clarified an exciting larger vision. Congdon Yards is developing as an uncommon common ground for the whole of High Point — the local community and design community. And, of course, the High Point Showroom Association had the idea of opening High Point off-Market decades ago. Right now, we believe all these roads need to come together for the greater good. That’s what the HPSA and HPxD merger is all about.”
Cass Key, Woodbridge Furniture Creative Director and HPSA president, notes: “Simply put, we are stronger together. I like to think about our customer. An interior designer isn’t likely to travel to High Point to visit one or two showrooms. Sixty? That’s a compelling reason to come, shop, stay and discover the whole city. Flagship access will enhance the designer’s practice and elevate High Point as a true design center with the trade-only Market right at the heart of the equation twice a year. Many HPxD flagships choose to open to all, designers and fans of design. There’s room for everyone in HPxD.”
HPxD will launch an updated website in the spring, expanding its “city guide” approach with profiles and colorful backstories on the full roster of flagship brands. The site will offer two clear pathways to those flagships open to all and those open exclusively to the trade. Regardless of channel strategy, the entire
HPxD membership is committed to honoring preferred trade relationships including price and service. Trade primacy is a non-negotiable in HPxD’s Flight Manual, which details requirements and expectations. The new HPxD flagship roster reads like an interior designer’s who’s who, including names like American Leather, Councill, Design Legacy, Jonathan Charles, Kindle, Lancaster, Modern History, Mr Brown London, Oly, Randall Tysinger Antiques, Red Egg, Schwung Home, Thayer Coggin, Woodbridge Furniture, Verellen and others.
“We want you,” HPxD notes in unison. Brands interested in joining HPxD are enthusiastically invited to start the consideration process with an email to showrooms@hpxd.org.
