by HIGH POINT – Shoppe Object’s curated installation at High Point Market launched last week, delighting attendees with its spirit of brand discovery, artisanal finds and an inviting temporary exhibition space. Shoppe High Point ran October 14-17 on the third floor of High Point’s Historic Market Square, presenting 100+ carefully selected brands that were new to High Point Market. The show-within-a-show focused on home décor, accessories and furnishings; it marked a successful start for the new twice-yearly fixture at High Point Market.
“Our High Point launch was such a natural fit — it felt like one big housewarming party,” shared Shoppe Object founder and Show Director Jesse James. “I’ve been eyeing the historic, loft-like space we now occupy for years, and I always had this dream that we would one day activate it, filling it with beauty. To see that come together … to watch jubilant faces of attendees as they traversed the meandering floor and basked in the natural light while making new connections and new discoveries … it was all very gratifying. We have found our home in High Point, and I’m looking forward to the April redux as we continue to build awareness of our very special location within this exciting and expansive market.”
The roster of exhibitors included a net positive in excess of 100 newcomers to High Point Market. Companies such as Connecticut-based Dumais Made (Lighting), consumer-facing ceramic darling East Fork Pottery (Tabletop), and sustainability-missioned Cyrc (Home Decor & Accessories) all joined for the first time. The sense of discovery — both of the New York-based Shoppe Object and of the design-driven products there — permeated the space.
“When I come to High Point, I’m looking for pieces of distinction,” said Bay Bertea, vice president, marketing for contemporary design retailer 2Modern. “In finding Shoppe Object at High Point this year, there’s more opportunity for that design discovery. I found pieces from all over the world, especially designs that felt bespoke, that felt unusual, that felt unexpected.”
The crowd’s curious energy was abundantly evident to exhibitors as well.
“There’s a buzz in the air and a lot of excitement as the buyers and designers are walking through; we’re overhearing their conversations on phones – ‘You need to get over here … this is great!’” said Dove and Donkey cofounder Jadine Greenaway, whose booth was positioned within earshot to attendees’ initial reactions near the Shoppe High Point main entrance.
In keeping with the international representation of Shoppe Object in NYC, representing nearly a quarter of the show floor, many of the Shoppe High Point exhibiting partners hailed from outside of the US. Belgium-based lifestyle brand Serax, made its U.S. market debut showcasing a new Kelly Wearstler tabletop collection.
The family-run Kashmiri textile business Me & K debuted its SS24 home assortment of fine, sustainably-sourced Kashmir throws. And Sydney’s MUD Australia launched its new line of porcelain pendants and lamps at the show.
The opportunity for U.S. buyers and international brands to meet in person has been a highlight for many, including Charlotte Volcke, the chief sales and marketing officer at Serax. “We’ve been wanting to do business with a particular US retailer for a long time. And yesterday, I was able to open that account in multiple stores. So that’s definitely been the high of my day; I was able to actually convert that relationship into new business.”
In addition to the plethora of curated and handpicked brands and products, the third floor of Historic Market Square was outfitted with an array of charming reasons to spend time in the space, from keeping the character of the building’s historic elements to the menu selections of the Shoppe Cafe and Shoppe Bar. The hardwood floors, natural light, and Shoppe Object’s signature good vibes did not go amiss.
“It’s a light and airy area. And spacious. It doesn’t feel like the normal trade show, with everyone doing the aisles and doing the rounds; it has a much more organic feel,” observed exhibitor Niki Wright, LightsandLamps.com cofounder. “It’s quite a homey space. Here, people are just happy wandering.”
Danne Semeraro from Sempli, a longtime Shoppe Object exhibiting glassware brand exclaimed, “It looks fantastic! And the vibe is like a part of New York coming into this historic market of High Point.”
The success of Shoppe High Point signals a continued focus on home brands for Shoppe Object, with 55% of the exhibitors at the August market in New York showing in the home categories. Several of the New York exhibitors exhibited in October’s High Point installation: MQuan Studio (Ceramics), Saved New York (Home Textiles), Sir/Madam (Home Décor), and Michael Wainwright USA (Tabletop).
Shoppe Object will return to its North Carolina abode on the third floor of Historic Market Square in April 2024 with 100+ brands – including both returning and new-to-market exhibitors – and a slew of new activations and events.
With much more on the horizon for 2024, many – including Semeraro – know that the show has just begun. “I’m excited and curious about what’s coming to High Point with Shoppe [Object]. The ‘high point’ of High Point has definitely been to be part of the start of something that feels like it’s going to be much, much, much bigger. Something really big.”
Shoppe Object’s next show will take place February 4-6 in New York City, with an expanded show floor across two neighboring venues: Pier 36 and Skylight at Essex Crossing on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The show is open each day from 9am – 6pm. Register through Shoppe Object’s website, and be sure to sign up for the Shoppe Object email newsletter for regular updates, invites, and inspiration all season.
