☞ Get to know *le Haute Pointe*!
When my very fabulous French tutor Florence volunteered this translation for my hometown, I skipped a beat.
Le Haute Pointe.
Yeah, ok, that checks.
In the mid-1800’s the unimaginatively-named-yet-newly-incorporated city of High Point was the highest point on the railway between the far eastern and central areas of North Carolina, and was quickly establishing itself as a city of industry that would change the fate of home furnishings and interior design in landmark ways.
Little did anyone imagine what might become of this haute pointe over the next century and a half!
From this pointe forward will I fondly default to this new nickname for a city that’s become one of the world’s most creative and dynamic places you’ve never heard of.
Under-the-radar?
Certainly.
The center of the universe for others?
Indeed!
“High Point’s architecture does not boast the Gehry pedigree that stamped Bilbao, and the Piedmont may not summon comparisons to the historic charm of Spain’s Basque country, but like Bilbao, contemporary High Point is known around the world.
It’s renown is simply restricted to a smaller population of niche users. Twice each year, its downtown is the site of the largest furniture exposition in the world, the High Point Market (HPMKT).
The middle of nowhere for most, it is the center of the universe for many in the world’s furniture fashion industry, a node of specialized global commerce.
HPMKT’s footprint equals four Empire State Buildings and is larger than the combined area of the furniture expos of Cologne, Tokyo, Guadalajara, Milan, and São Paulo. More than 75,000 people surge into HP to attend each market.“
—John Joe Schlichtman, Showroom City
High Point: a city of industry and tulips!
I’ve written about High Point in numerous ways over the last few years, but if you’re new here I’ll pointe you (sorry I can’t help myself!) to a few of my favorite posts to dive into in case you’re heading to the upcoming High Point Market or Vacation Rental Design Summit.
✍️✨ A few of my favs…
For many designers and brands in the home industry, April and October are truly the high points in their educational, networking, and sourcing endeavors. So if you’re heading this way, I wish you a truly inspiring week. ✨
See you in le Haute Pointe!
*About the author
Ericka Saurit (enchanté in case we haven’t met! 👋) is a designer and brand strategist, obsessed with how our built environment shapes the human experience.
Through this blog and her popular newsletter, she shares stories and insights about marketing, branding, and the home industry’s creative pulse.
*My hope is to spark ideas that help you grow your business and build a brand that truly shines.✨
