ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Furniture industry notable Mike Moore, formerly a director of Pottery Barn and president of furniture firm BDDW, called for an "Intelligent Boycott" of the High Point Furniture Market, due to open Saturday, April 16th.
Backlash has been rising against North Carolina in the wake of passage of a state's controversial new law preventing municipalities from enacting protections in public services and in the workplace for gays, lesbians, and transgendered individuals. The High Point Market authority predicted thousands of cancellations of visitors in a statement issued March 28.
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Moore made the call in a PRNewswire release that also lists his current client roster, including Chanel, Pratesi Linens, Hermes, and three hotel groups: the W, Kimpton, and the Four Seasons.
Seeking the tamp down the matter, North Carolina Governor Pat McGrory issued an executive order April 12 that only seems to have roiled the situation further.
"Republican Governor McCrory and his legislators have, quite cleverly, forced the home furnishings industry into an impossible situation," Moore says. "Our dilemma is this: how can we send Raleigh a thunderous message of disapproval without harming our friends and colleagues in the process?"
Moore advises furniture buyers and designers to "go to market, but cut your trip short. Race through, take pics of new products and new exhibitors. Go home. Place orders. Invest the travel savings into your inventory and vendors. Take your business away from North Carolina, not from your vendors."
Moore cites an economic impact study conducted by Duke University in 2013, the High Point Market is considered North Carolina's largest annual economic event. With impact of $5.38 billion, the High Point Market generates over 600,000 visitor days and is responsible for 37,000 jobs in the state of North Carolina.
Of his own plans, Moore says, "I'm going to market. One day instead of three. I've got four hotels on our project boards at the moment, so I'll be the guy running the hallways. Regarding my business? The Governor seems unaware that I live here - as do many - by choice, not by necessity. If McCrory's and his lawmakers' intent is to make us want to move our business and home out of Nother Carolina, they're doing a great job."
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