Some area furniture manufacturers experienced some modest optimism last week at High Point Furniture Market, according to the Martinsville Bulletin.

Basset experienced a double-digit percentage increase in attendance compared to the last market in April and also October 2008.

This is great news for homeowners in areas where furniture manufacturers are provide employment and tax money. As the industry strengthens and these companies grow, so will their ability to be a positive impact in Virginia communities - which, will result in local economy strength, lower taxes, and improved property values for homeowners.

"The word 'optimism' is inching back into the vocabulary of some area furniture manufacturers.

For instance, Bassett Furniture Industries President and CEO Rob Spilman said he detected 'a modest amount of optimism' at last week’s High Point Furniture Market.

'I think people have adjusted their business models to the times, so consequently both retailers and suppliers are learning to live with less,' he said Friday. 'Once that’s shaken out ... that provides opportunity.'

He cautioned, however, that the optimism he detected is 'modest.'

'When you come back home, business still is tough,' Spilman said, with unemployment and other consumer concerns still factors.

Paul B. Toms Jr., chief executive officer, president and chairman of the board of Hooker Furniture, agreed.

'Across the board they’re (customers) a little more bullish than they were six to 12 months ago,' he said, 'but we’ve still got a long way to go.'

Customers remain cautious and are not ordering huge quantities of furniture, 'but they feel like the worst is behind them,' Toms added Friday."

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