by As macroeconomic pressure persists, retailers are prioritizing durability and value
HIGH POINT — Ahead of High Point Market, retailers are approaching the upcoming buying cycle with a more disciplined lens. After a period of aggressive growth fueled in part by post-pandemic demand, many are now shifting into refinement mode — prioritizing durability, tighter assortments and cost control amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
In a recent market preview, Andmore emphasized that buyers are using the event to “make decisions that shape the months ahead,” pointing to a mix of trend guidance, product discovery and strategic sourcing tools designed to support more confident purchasing. If I had to sum up the mood of buyers heading into this market, I’d say: cautious but curious.
David Horvath, category manager, furniture at Queen City Homestore, a Charlotte-based retailer, said the company’s buying strategy is completely different from 12 months ago.
“A year ago, we had just opened our first seven new Homestores, and we were just beginning to see all of the tremendous opportunities,” Horvath said. “Now, today in April of 2026, we are in the ‘refinement’ stages. Heavy analysis has been conducted into style, price point and even in-store placement locations.”
Unsurprisingly, time and money remain priorities.
Caroline Johnston, manager, buyer relations, Home at Andmore, said that in this market, buyers are “buying to last” and are willing to invest more in durable products and good design.
Horvath added that cost is top of mind for Queen City Homestore. “Due to the unknown nature of all the macro-economic conditions we find ourselves in, we are being extraordinarily cost-conscious.” The retailer is also prioritizing domestic products.
“Since we are not currently importing goods, value-added benefits such as quick-ship programs and both domestic production and domestic warehousing are paramount in our assortment planning decisions,” Horvath said. Despite tariffs, other retailers are more flexible on sourcing.
Laura Williams, who is CEO and owner of Living Oak, an Austin-based design firm and furnishings store, said that she “enjoys domestic products when possible,” but often looks outside the U.S. for high-quality pieces. “As long as the logistics aren’t too slowed down due to the product, I am happy to do business with the vendor.”
Buyers are looking to create thoughtful assortments that draw a range of consumer budgets.
“In the good-better-best spectrum, our focus this year has been a balance of good and better with a few offerings in the best category,” Horvath said. “We have found having the proper proportions to be a strong recipe for success.”
Williams echoed similar sentiments. “I love for my shop to be attainable while still including items that have a one-of-a-kind charm at a potentially higher cost. Having a range of costs for items allows for impulse buys in addition to the high-end thoughtful purchases.”
Even with a more balanced approach, most retailers aren’t looking to completely overhaul their floors. Horvath said that he is interested in changing “20% or less” of its current assortment. However, he is heading to market with a specific goal.
“We are looking to provide a few doorbuster-type items for the tentpole holidays to drive additional traffic,” he said. Over the past few months, I have consistently heard from retailers that traditional blockbuster selling holidays like Memorial Day and Presidents Day are becoming increasingly important to sales. Outside of traditional product mixes, items that offer unique value propositions in price, design or both will be in demand as retailers seek to differentiate themselves from one another.
By approaching High Point Market with a renewed set of priorities, I believe this market will reflect a shift in buying strategies that balance risk, value and quality.
