Following High Point Market Authority’s cancelation of the spring 2020 High Point Market, International Market Centers (IMC) has announced the launch of “IMC High Point Virtual Market,” a three-week-long online experience that will feature product discovery and digital connections. These offerings, which include the debut of a new Catalog Connexion sourcing tool, as well as a series of pop-up virtual market events, will run on IMC’s High Point Market website from May 11-29.
“While we know that we cannot replace the value of physical markets, we also realize there is a real desire and need for the industry to connect virtually right now,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO. “We hope this new market will help bridge the gap in the home furnishing industry’s sourcing and shopping calendar by creating a digital experience that provides knowledge, practical business tips, and a platform for sourcing and discovery, as well as a much-needed sense of community.”
The IMC High Point Virtual Market will include Catalog Connexion, a keyword-searchable catalog library that connects buyers and sellers through product flipbooks. This simple, fast, visual and product-driven system allows suppliers to leverage their existing catalog assets and enables buyers to source across brands by keyword. In addition to visual search refinements, the system also provides buyers with one-click sales inquiries and generates leads for suppliers.
“We were delighted to be able to adapt and enhance an existing IMC_di technology to address this immediate need for IMC’s High Point customers,” explained Eric Dean, president of IMC_di. “While we continue to develop our industry-wide state-of-the-art digital solutions, use of this technology is another example of IMC’s commitment to bridging physical and digital markets and connecting buyers and sellers wherever and whenever they choose to transact.”
In addition to Catalog Connexion, the IMC High Point Virtual Market will contain other product discovery tools through original and third-party content, including IMC’s Market Preview and Market Snapshot program, an exhibitor product showcase, a trade publication preview, featured TrendWatch products, Instagram Takeover with industry influencers and a Virtual Showhouse. IMC High Point Virtual Market will be promoted to tens of thousands of retailers and designers who have attended High Point Market in the past. Complete details about these offerings will be available in early May.
During the virtual market, buyers and suppliers can enjoy a multitude of digital inspirations and online connections such as blogs, live webinars, pop-up virtual market events, business intelligence sessions and social media programs. The full schedule of daily activities and offerings will be available in early May.
“The IMC High Point Virtual Market is designed to replicate the tangible and intangible elements that make markets such dynamic and multi-faceted experiences, as best we can. This effort is reflective of IMC’s commitment to ensuring that business-to-business is still person-to-person, even if that person-to-person needs to happen virtually in the near term,” Maricich added.
