About this episode
This episode explores the challenges of finding quality furniture in North Carolina, the heart of the American furniture industry.
Known as the "Furniture Capital of the World," North Carolina is famous for its high-quality furniture. And for over a century, it's been the heartbeat of the American furniture industry. But in recent decades, that business has changed dramatically, decimating the workforce and leaving average American consumers with two less-than-ideal options: high-end luxury products or cheap and mostly disposable mass-produced stuff. This episode originally published on October 24, 2024 and features a trip to the High Point Furniture Market. The 2026 Spring Market is scheduled for April 25–29. Featuring: Zaki Khalifa, former owner of Zaki Oriental Rugs in High Point, NC Tammy Nagum, President and CEO of the High Point Market Authority Federico Contigiani, President of Hickory Chair Matt Hartman, reporter at The Assembly Thanks to the team at the High Point Market Authority for their help during Market week, especially Ben Muller. Special thanks also this week to NC State Libraries' Special Collections Research Center. Links: Check out Matt’s reporting on the evolution of North Carolina furniture . You can find a transcript of this episode here . Aspect: Order no. 329, Directed by…
People in this episode
Guests: Zaki Khalifa, Tammy Nagum, Federico Contigiani, Matt Hartman
Topics covered
- furniture industry
- North Carolina
- High Point Furniture Market
- consumer choices
- workforce changes
Keywords
- furniture
- North Carolina
- High Point
- consumer options
- luxury furniture
- mass-produced furniture
- furniture market
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: High Point Market Authority, NC State Libraries' Special Collections Research Center
Places: North Carolina, High Point
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