Furnitureland South

Furnitureland South is the retail landmark of the furniture capital. Described by High Point's tourism board as the largest furniture store in the nation, it spreads across a huge campus of showroom buildings on the edge of the city, with room settings, upholstery, case goods, rugs, lighting and accessories from a vast range of manufacturers. For many shoppers, the visit is a destination in its own right: people travel from across the country to furnish a new home, redo a living room or see furniture in person before they buy. For others, it is simply a spectacle, a chance to walk through rooms upon rooms of styles and see how design trends play out. High Point offers access to more than 1,000 home furnishings brands, and the region has roughly 80 furniture stores and outlets, so Furnitureland South is one of several options. What sets it apart is its scale and its service model, in which a design consultant can walk you through the collections, discuss fabrics and finishes, and help you plan a room. Shoppers often come with floor plans, photos and measurements, and leave with an order that will be built and delivered later; custom orders typically take several weeks to a few months. Prices are often presented as discounted from suggested retail, but compare quotes and terms. Even if you are not buying, a visit offers inspiration. You can sit on sofas, compare finishes in person, and see how different brands treat the same style.

Preparation will help you get value. Before you go, measure your space, bring photos, collect swatches or paint colors, and set a rough budget. Contact the store to ask about appointments, since some showrooms in the area require them, and ask about hours, which may vary. Wear comfortable shoes, because the campus is large, and plan to spend a couple of hours at least; serious shoppers may spend a day.

Understand how furniture buying works here. Many items are made to order, so what you see on the floor may be a sample, and lead times depend on the manufacturer. Ask about delivery arrangements, what happens if an item is damaged, and how sales tax is handled for deliveries to other states; the tourism board notes that sales tax is paid to the state where the furniture is delivered. Compare the total cost, including shipping and any white-glove delivery, against local alternatives, and read the terms on cancellations and returns.

Furnitureland South fits into a High Point day as the retail counterpart to the Furniture City Trolley Tour and the High Point Museum, which explain how the industry grew. Shoppers who want a broader view can also visit other furniture stores and outlets in the area, and designers with trade credentials can access showrooms downtown, particularly in Market season. Non-shoppers in a party can wait it out in the cafe or take a break, but it is polite to let a consultant know if you are only browsing.

The store is on the road between Greensboro and the Triad's other cities, which makes it simple to add to a trip. Treat it as a mix of shopping destination, design school and roadside attraction, and you will understand why it has become one of the best-known stops in the region.