October 30, 2023 Furniture Today, “An Insider’s View

---

About this time of year, I recall memories of my history attending the High Point Market. My first market was more than 50 years ago, and I remember feeling lucky for several reasons. First, I found a street parking spot on Elm. Imagine that.

Back then, we did not have the Green, Commerce, Wrenn or Hamilton wings at the International Market Center, but it was packed. Ethan Allen showed on the second floor of the Mart. Market Square was still the Tomlinson factory.

My early appointment was at The Lane Company, and I struggled to make it on time. Then, my appointment was too busy to see me, but Stuart Moore introduced me to Hamp Powell, who spent some time with me and showed me more cedar chests than I could imagine.

I didn’t recognize Mr. Powell at first, but I learned quickly who he was.

Pulaski had a hot line, and “Keepsakes” was being knocked off by almost every case goods maker. Since I was new to market, I wondered if all the showrooms sold bars, player pianos, telephone booths and grandfather clocks like Pulaski did.

I didn’t know anyone at Stratolounger but walked in and quickly made myself comfortable, only to be escorted out soon afterwards. Seems like you needed to be a retailer.

The next day I drove on I-85 to the massive Bassett showroom that had a full parking lot and an entrance lobby packed with people I didn’t know. However, I recognized President Bob Spilman from his photo in the annual report. After patiently waiting, I shook his hand and introduced myself. He replied he was there to sell furniture not talk to “Wall Street types,” but since I was there he told me next market, he would answer two questions from me.

I really thought about it and had two great questions. When I saw Bob again, I asked him, “Do I still get two questions?”

He grinned and said “Yes. What is the second one?”

I was fortunate that Bob and other kings (and queens) of our industry were kind enough to spend some time with me.