Managers of the Tupelo, Mississippi Furniture Market, August 18-21 - it competes with the High Point and Las Vegas Markets - say convincing smaller store operators to come to any market has become a challenge. So it is asking exhibiting companies to reduce or drop minimum order requirements.

Small wholesalers and retailers that choose to attend the Tupelo market will see these and other incentives and special programs that have been implemented specifically for their benefit, says Kevin Seddon, president of the Tupelo Furniture Market. The show has 2.5 million square feet of space and more than 600 exhibitors, including casegoods and especially upholstered furniture manufacturers.

The Tupelo Furniture Market began in 1987 under the direction of owner and CEO, V. M. Cleveland.

Kevin Seddon, president of the market, says retailers of all sizes who attend the Tupelo event will find new, cutting edge products and services that will build traffic in their establishments and allow them to increase revenues and profit margins.

The 59th iteration of the furniture market in Tupelo will offer retailers  includes expanded Buyer Rewards Initiative offered by the Tupelo Furniture Market for smaller and mid-sized operators  According to Kevin Seddon, president of the market, every program introduced in the Buyer Awards Initiative has been designed to increase opportunities for retailers generally, but the programs benefit small and mid-sized retailers the most.

"Convincing smaller operators that there are opportunities for them at any market has become a challenge," said Seddon.  "So we've worked diligently to convince exhibiting companies to reduce or drop minimum order requirements, offer special close-out opportunities or introduce other incentives that would benefit the smaller operator.  In addition, we have recruited companies that act as distributors for larger manufacturers.  These companies offer a wide-range of products with quantities and pricing that appeal to smaller retailers."

Companies showing in Tupelo such as LQ Furniture welcome small quantity and partial truck load orders.  As a result of LQ Furniture's options, many smaller operators now have the ability to offer more diversity of brands and styles in their showrooms, thus attracting new customers and giving past customers a reason to return.

"We consistently provide small retailers with a range of products – from casegoods and upholstery to home accessories and gifts," said Tommy Curry, operations director at LQ Furniture.  "There's no order too small and we offer incredible wholesale prices on a wide range of products.  Small operators attending the Tupelo market always take advantage of our home accessory specials, and in August we will offer a new rustic line, Rustic Canyon, with a wholesale price that can't be beat!  Large and small operators will benefit from our show specials and they should contact us in advance to schedule an appointment since our inventory can move fast!"

Small Operators that choose to attend the Tupelo Furniture Market will benefit greatly from the Small Operator Program as well as many other programs included in the Buyer Rewards Initiative.  These include the Super Early Bird Package, Show Your Badge Program, Hosted Buyer Program, Regional Buyer Shuttles, Buyer and Seller "Matchmaker" Initiative, "Lunch and Learn" Sessions, TOS Club Membership, TFM Show Dollars, and the TFM Weekend Pass.

(Source: woodworkingnetwork.com  Author: Bill Esler)