It's A Family Affair: Three Generations Attend High Point Market

Of the 75,000 attendees of the 104th semi-annual High Point Market that took place High Point's downtown showroom district during the week of October 19th, three special attendees stand out from the masses.

Emmet Root, once a salesman and now the chairman of Furniture Sales of Mid-America, has attend every High Point Market since 1955 when it was called the Southern Furniture Market. This year, his son Michael, CEO and president of the company who has attended market off and on for 25 years, and his grandson Jay, a salesman attending for the first time, are joining Emmet at market.

Emmet Root, middle, with his son Mike, left, and grandson Jay represent three generations of marketgoers. (Photo courtesy of hpe.com)

Family Legacy

"I started in October 1955-- you can put a calculator to it to see how many markets that is," the 79-year-old Root said.

The 58-year attendee says he loves coming to market and doesn't intend to stop anytime soon.

"I've always said that if you're in the furniture business and you don't go to High Point, you aren't really in the furniture business, because this is where the action is," he said. "To me, this is where the pulse of our business is. I love seeing the people here, and I just enjoy the changes in design and merchandising."

The older Root is the founder of Furniture Sales of Mid-America and has passed on the company to his son Michael who is now the CEO of the company. His grandson, Jay has also joined the company as a salesman. 

In the same manner, Emmet has passed on the legacy of attending the High Point Market to his son and grandson.

The Family Business

 Founded by Emmet Root, Furniture Sales of Mid-America has been in existence for over 64 years. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, The company specializes in selling furniture to major retailers, internet retailers, rent-to-own and leasing companies.

The family-run business has thrived on the promise that they will cater to each business and customer in a unique manner. Serving Midwest and Rocky mountain states, Furniture Sales of Mid-America has dedicated their staff's 100 year experience in the furniture industry to providing the customers with the best service possible.

In praise of the company, Chuck Green, president of Best Images, Inc. said, "Mike and his team have done an outstanding job of helping me grow from one little rental store to the largest rent to own chain in Colorado, They know what sells for my unique  needs and they help me with information on advertising and operations."

History of the High Point Market 

What is now known as the High Point Market was first held in March of 1909.  At that time it was called the Southern Furniture Market. The name was later changed to the International Home Furnishings Market in 1989 and then again in 2007 when it became The High Point Market.

The market rose to fame once the Southern Furniture Exposition Building was completed in 1921. The Exposition Building is High Point's largest furniture showroom, spanning 3.5 million square feet. Additionally, 180 other buildings in High Point's downtown furniture district are used as showrooms during market.

Originally, the main markets were held in January and July with smaller, informal markets held in April and October. In the 1960s, the popularity of the April and October markets surpasses those of January and July. Finally, the January and July markets were discontinued in 1982.

In its 104 year history, The High Point Market has grown to become the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world with more than 11.5 million square feet of showspace and 110 countries represented by more than 2,000 exhibitors.

For More Information Please Visit The High Point Market Website and Mike Root's Blog