In separate announcements posted on December 15, International Market Centers (IMC) and the High Point Market Authority (HPMA) announced date changes for their 2021 events in Las Vegas and High Point, NC, respectively.
Citing ongoing government and travel restrictions and the prospect of an early-Spring coronavirus vaccine rollout, IMC and HPMA are now targeting dates deeper into Spring and Summer for their Market events. The shift also allows added time for the furniture supply chain to work through challenges in manufacturing and distribution caused by the pandemic and soaring demand.
The winter and summer editions of Las Vegas Market — originally planned for January and July — have been bumped to April 11-15 and August 22-26. Meanwhile, the Spring 2021 High Point Market — originally set for April 17-21 — has been moved to June 5-9. The dates for Fall 2021 High Point Market, planned for October 16-21, remain unchanged.
“We have opted to postpone the winter Las Vegas Market in connection with Governor Sisolak’s recent extension of Nevada’s ‘statewide pause’ and in consideration of stay-at-home orders currently impacting travel for key western states,” Bob Maricich, IMC CEO, said in a statement. “HPMA’s decision to change High Point Market from April to June further affirms our decision and allows us to shift the winter Las Vegas Market into April. We also will alter our summer Las Vegas Market dates from July to August to allow enough time between the April Las Vegas Market, new June High Point Market dates and our summer market in Las Vegas.”
Maricich also noted that the Las Vegas Showrooms, including the Las Vegas Design Center, remain open for business by appointment for buyers.
“We are encouraged by the recent headlines about COVID-19 vaccines, but realistic about its impact on a spring timeframe, as the rollout will be slow,” Tom Conley, president and CEO of HPMA, said in a statementannouncing the date changes. “Coupled with the reality within our industry regarding supply shortages and manufacturing/shipping disruptions, the board of directors agreed it would be most beneficial to delay Spring Market until June.”
