The world’s largest home furnishings trade show wrapped its spring run this week, and organizers say roughly 75,000 people registered for the five-day event.

More than 2,000 exhibitors filled showrooms across downtown High Point for the market, which opened Saturday. Market Authority president and CEO Tammy Covington put the event’s economic impact at $6.7 billion for North Carolina, comparing it to hosting four Super Bowls in a single city. The Market Authority also reports that the show generates $202 million in state and local tax revenue, based on an economic impact analysis from Duke University’s Global Value Chains Center.

Trade policy shaped much of the conversation on the showroom floors. Broad reciprocal tariffs took effect ahead of last year’s spring market, and 25 percent furniture tariffs followed by the fall show. Vendors sourcing heavily from China have been weighing alternatives in Vietnam, India and domestic production, and international attendance has softened. Roughly 10 percent of market guests are typically international.

The broader industry read on 2026 is cautious optimism. Furniture sales boomed during the pandemic before inflation, higher interest rates and a frozen housing market took their toll. Ken Crews, a High Point University professor and vice president of human resources for Lexington Home Brands, described the feeling on the showroom floor as upbeat. Strategic Insights projects a nearly 2 percent increase in consumer furniture spending this year, and a majority of manufacturers surveyed by the Institute for Supply Management expect higher revenues.

The Piedmont’s manufacturing base remains under pressure regardless. Statewide manufacturing employment fell by 1,000 jobs in July, one of several sectors to lose ground during the month.

High Point Market runs twice a year, in April and October. The fall show opens in late October.