So, a lot has been written concerning the impact of the Las Vegas Market moving to September 14-18.  I'm just realizing a major issue which all major wholesale companies will now need to consider.  The new product line rollout!

In the past, its been typical for companies to release new product lines at the High Point Market.  People come from all over the world to buy the latest and best looking products in Home Furnishings.  These introductions are highly marketed by the sellers, often releasing hundreds of new products and they are a focal point for smaller retail stores.  They want to freshen up their stores with on trend products, and the latest color pallets.  Now, come next September, who will it be?  Will companies be forced to introduce their NEW products at Las Vegas?

How much traffic will a smaller wholesale company pick up, if they release the new products at Las Vegas, while some larger companies hold back for the High Point Market?

Really, this move will have a BIG impact on these two markets.  High Point is still the number one trade show and, in terms of showroom space (estimated to be more than double Las Vegas), buyers are very aware that this is the most important show if they really want to see product.  But, since the start of the Vegas show, companies have been releasing small introductions at Vegas, to get buyers attention and money.  Many buyers want to go strait for the "new", while trying to make it to all their favorite wholesale companies.

So, when September 14th, 2009, in Las Vegas comes, will the companies say they are releasing 40 new products, or 400 new products?

Only time will tell, but, I'm betting that competition may force some unwilling and unhappy wholesale companies to move their product launches earlier, which could really cause a significant drop in High Point attendance.

Maybe I'm playing devil's advocate in this article, but in my mind, this may be the CORE issue.  I think High Point is a superior market for the serious buyer, and will remain this, but if companies are forced to roll out new product lines a month earlier, I'll be expecting even quieter High Points, which already suffers from a lack of traffic compared to the old days, before China...