HIGH POINT, N.C. — As if the state’s economy hadn’t taken enough of a hit from COVID-19, local officials were forced to cancel what would have been the High Point Furniture Market, originally set for this past weekend. The internationally acclaimed gathering takes place twice a year and is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world where manufacturers introduce new products and the industry connects through continuing education and collaboration. The only other time in history it was canceled was a back in 1942, during the height of WWII. “Market” as it is commonly referred to by members of the trade, occupies over 10 million square feet of space throughout 180 buildings and accommodates 2000 exhibitors, and has an impact of over $6 billion, making it the largest single economic event in the state each year.

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A consortium of prominent Italian home furnishing designers and manufacturers are urging Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to allow their industries to resume production ahead of the country’s gradual re-opening, which is now slated to begin May 3 at the earliest but could likely be pushed back. Italy’s famed and economically vital home design industry—largely centered around Milan but spread across the country—has been at a virtual standstill since at least March 22, when production at the country’s non-essential factories was halted due to the global coronavirus crisis. Italy, an early epicenter of the pandemic, went into nationwide lockdown mode earlier in the month, on March 9.