Oct 30, 2023

Shoppe Object celebrates High Point installation

Shoppe Object’s curated installation at High Point Market launched Oct. 14-17, delighting attendees with its spirit of brand discovery, artisanal finds and an inviting temporary exhibition space.

Shoppe High Point took place on the third floor of High Point’s Historic Market Square, presenting 100-plus brands that were new to High Point Market. The show-within-a-show focused on home décor, accessories and furnishings and marked a successful start for the new twice-yearly fixture at High Point Market, according to show executives.

“Our High Point launch was such a natural fit — it felt like one big housewarming party,” said Jesse James, founder and show director of Shoppe Object. “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.”

Newcomer companies included Connecticut-based Dumais Made (Lighting), consumer-facing ceramic darling East Fork Pottery (Tabletop), and sustainability-missioned Cyrc (Home Decor & Accessories).

“When I come to High Point, I’m looking for pieces of distinction,” said Bay Bertea, show attendee and vice president of 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.”

Added Jadine Greenaway, co-founder of Dove and Donkey, a Shoppe Object exhibitor: “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!’”

In keeping with the international representation of Shoppe Object in New York City, 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 third floor of Historic Market Square was outfitted with an array of amenities and features, from keeping the character of the building’s historic elements to the menu selections of the Shoppe Cafe and Shoppe Bar.

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 a slew of new activities and events, Shoppe Object executives said.

Shoppe Object’s next show will take place Feb. 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.