Did we mention communicate more?
The idea of transparency and communication extended to other areas as well. “Do not be silent”, said one designer who had 50% of her business shift online. “If there is a shift of reps due to COVID… let us know. We are still placing orders and there are lots of issues with back orders, what percentage of the company is working, what to expect with delays. We are still designing and servicing our clients and it can be frustrating with delays especially when companies are not letting us know.”
And one final intriguing idea was the desire for product reviews from other designers, such as the ones provided by High Point Market’s Style Spotters. These types of testimonials help to guide designers through their product selection process.
While there is still a lot of uncertainty for both designers and manufacturers, it is clear there is still a huge value to being together and experiencing products in person. Many of the respondents commented about their excitement for October Market. The digital environment has been, and will continue to be, important, but sometimes there is nothing like sitting on a sofa in a showroom with a glass of champagne to know it is exactly what belongs in your client’s living room!