Tupelo Furniture Market a Bellwether for Furniture Industry; Increase in Business Prompts Investment in Staff and Technology

TUPELO, Miss., Jan. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With pre-registrations up more than 30% from its most recent event in August, buyers traveling from most every state in the country, and more than 200 new companies exhibiting from just a year ago, the producers of the Tupelo Furniture Market are either doing something different, or their success is an indication that the market may be turning in a positive direction.

"It's a bit of both," said Kevin Seddon, president of the market who took over operations in May of 2012.  "On one hand, we have made changes in how we market our event to both attendees and exhibitors.  On the other hand, we have benefited from a positive upturn in the marketplace."

Seddon indicated that prior to the Tupelo market in August, marketing strategies, tactics, and how they were executed were altered to increase their effectiveness.  Some of the success of the August event could be directly tracked to the changes made in marketing.  But Seddon also explained that the market began to shift upwards in August and it was proven true by the success of the event and the feedback received from the companies that participated.  To capitalize on the marketing success and the uptick in the industry, Seddon began to invest in people and technology.

"To manage our growth, sustain our success and execute on our new growth strategies for the fall market, we hired personnel in a number of key areas," said Seddon.  "In total, we brought on six full time staff and ten part time employees."

According to Seddon, two employees were hired to coordinate an enhanced Buyer Recruitment Initiative.  In addition, a new information technology person was employed to enhance the company's online promotional capabilities through its website and social media, as well as develop new software to better customer and client communication.  Finally, Seddon explained that three facility management personnel were recently hired to handle the increased number of companies now exhibiting at the market.

The investment is not limited to people.  According to Adam Cleveland, Tupelo Furniture Market's COO, the company invested in state-of-the-art database management software, trade show management software, website and social media development tools as well as other technologies.

"During this spring event which runs from February 28 through March 3, 2013, we will also offer all our exhibitors badge scanning hardware and software which will allow them to capture buyer contact information quickly," said Cleveland.

If Tupelo's recent success is any indication, the furniture industry may in fact be improving – perhaps tracking in parallel with the housing market's positive growth.  Whether it's economics, marketing or the result of investment in the future, the Tupelo Furniture Market's spring event seems to be shaping up nicely.  The furniture industry may not be far behind!

For more information, please visit www.tupelofurnituremarket.com.

Contact: Kevin J. Seddon
Tel. 662.842.4442
E-mail. [email protected]

SOURCE Tupelo Furniture Market

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