Fabric Market Draws Hundreds of Companies to High Point

High Point is buzzing with excitement this week. The semi-annual Showtime fabric market kicked off on Sunday.

Showtime is a supplier trade show for the home furnishings industry.

The event is produced by the International Textile Market Association in High Point. Catherine Morsell, the organization's executive director, says the show draws hundreds of buyers and manufacturers of decorative coverings from around the world.

“We have over 200 exhibitors and the majority of them are textile suppliers. We have them representing the United States, Germany, Italy and Brazil. Showtime has always been well known as the textile trade show for home furnishings in the United States and we are more and more becoming known for being the leather trade show in the U.S. as well,” says Morsell.

Morsell says Showtime is the third largest revenue producer for the city of High Point each year. She says many companies use the fabrics and other items from the show to make products for the High Point Furniture Market.

“We have companies looking at decorative coverings for anything from upholstery to the top of the bed, window coverings and lamp shades. We even fall over into some accessories such as dog beds. Our members are introducing their brand new lines with new patterns and colors all based on trend research that takes place throughout the year,” says Morsell.

Organizers say people can browse the showroom floor at Market Square Complex, but the event is open primarily to manufacturers and designers.

The Showtime fabric market in downtown High Point begins at Noon Sunday, Dec. 8 and runs through 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.11