Oct 10, 2012

International Market Centers Reports Successful Leasing Cycle Leading up to Fall High Point Market

International Market Centers, L.P. (IMC), the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries with properties on both coasts, announced its most successful leasing cycle on record as it prepares for the highly anticipated Fall High Point Market, Oct. 13-18 2012. IMC has also approved a multi-million dollar capital plan for building improvements and infrastructure to enhance the market experience, including extensive WiFi upgrades in all IMC buildings in High Point.

“Each market we deliver more of what’s new for buyers—including adding industry leaders and design trend-setters as tenants to our High Point properties, creating the most coveted venues in the marketplace,” said IMC Home Furnishings President, Tom Mitchell. “We are excited about what Fall High Point Market has in store for buyers including the growing roster of temporary exhibitors and new resources in such popular destinations as SALON, InterHall, Pavilions on Main 3 and Showplace.” Across the 5.1 million square feet of showrooms IMC owns and operates, company officials tout an impressive 92 percent occupancy rate for its High Point buildings this fall, which includes 34 new permanent tenants and 15 showroom expansions. New in IHFC are A-America, Durham Furniture and European brand Siedo Solutions showing for the first time with Eurostyle—to name a few. Rowe and Chandra will open spectacular new showrooms in Showplace, while Highland House along with high-end rug resources Art Resources and Bokara will introduce new permanent showrooms in Market Square.

Sought-after and sold-out destinations at High Point Market— including InterHall, SALON, Pavilions on Main 3 and Showplace First Floor Temporaries—are 100 percent occupied. In the Suites at Market Square, 90 of the 300 exhibitors are showing for the first time, meaning nearly one-third of the Suites will feature brand new resources. SALON has expanded onto the Mezzanine Floor, directly above the original SALON area on the Ground Floor and will feature 17 new exhibitors. In addition, buyers will see 11 new exhibitors in the Pavilions on Main 3, seven in InterHall and seven new exhibitors on the first floor of Showplace. In all, IMC’s  temporary venues boast nearly 115 total new resources—delivering fresh new buying opportunities for retailers and designers.

IMC has also approved a multi-million dollar capital plan for building improvements and infrastructure to enhance the market experience. Among the investments is a $1 million investment in enhanced WiFi service in IMC lobbies and exhibit areas for this market. Complementing IMC’s WiFi investment, the City of High Point has also invested in improving wireless service in the public areas around the Market district in High Point.

“There is a deep commitment by our leadership to ensure that our valued clients, guests, and business partners have the best possible experience when they invest in and or visit our facilities and the city of High Point,” said Bob Maricich, CEO of IMC. “This multi-million dollar initiative, to begin rolling out this fall, will not only bring IMC’s buildings to the highest operational efficiency and enable us to deliver premium service to our valued customers, but the sizeable commitment will also give a boost to the local economy.”

About International Market Centers, L.P.
International Market Centers, L.P. (IMC) is the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries. IMC owns and operates 11.5 million square feet of world-class exhibition space in High Point, N.C., and Las Vegas. In addition, IMC operates the Las Vegas Design Center, a year-round resource open to both the design trade and consumers that is comprised of more than 40 showrooms and hundreds of designer brands. IMC’s mission is to build and operate an innovative, sustainable, profitable and scalable platform for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries. For more information on IMC, visit www.imcenters.com.