Furniture Industry News Podcast - Episode: September 27, 2024 In this Episode: High Point Premarket Optimism 2024 Holiday Shopping Trends Living Room Furniture Insights Major Industry Acquisitions Key Highlights: High Point Premarket Signals Optimism: Despite industry challenges, manufacturers like Kuka Home and Flexsteel report strong buyer enthusiasm, driven by successful Labor Day sales. Key focus: speed-to-market strategies, with companies like Hooker Furnishings pre-cutting new collections for quicker retail access. Expect continued momentum into the High Point Market in October. Holiday Shopping Trends for 2024: Holiday budgets are expected to rise 32%, averaging $1,261 per shopper. Shift in spending: More allocation towards experiences rather than gifts. Physical retail is rebounding, with department stores topping shopping destinations. 86% of shoppers will have begun their holiday shopping by the weekend after Thanksgiving, with heavy reliance on coupons and cash-back rebates. Living Room Furniture Purchase Insights: Upholstery remains the top category, with 36% of consumers planning to buy sofas or sectionals. Younger generations (Gen Z & Millennials) are driving the trend towards sectionals, with a preference for fabric over leather. Despite online shopping trends, 76% of consumers still plan to purchase living room furniture in-store, favoring national furniture chains. Industry Acquisitions: Sleep Country Canada's $1.7 billion acquisition by Fairfax Financial Holdings receives final approval, with the deal expected to close by October 1st. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams brand revival: Surya CEO Satya Tiwari aims to restore American manufacturing, rehiring laid-off workers and introducing new products at High Point Market. Conclusion: This episode covers the industry's positive outlook at High Point Premarket, evolving holiday shopping habits, and critical insights into consumer furniture preferences. It also delves into major acquisitions reshaping the market, including updates on Sleep Country Canada and the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams brand. Stay Updated: Subscribe to Furniture Industry News for the latest developments in the furniture world. Thank you for listening!