In this episode of Planet Money, we dive into the High Point Market, the heart of the US furniture industry where new trends emerge. Manufacturers, with the help of trend forecasters, make educated guesses about the styles and colors consumers will crave, a process that spans about a year from initial prediction to showroom debut. The episode examines how cultural shifts, like the transition from formal to casual living, and economic factors, such as supply chain issues, shape these trends. A key example is the much-discussed "cloud couch." Ultimately, the success of these predictions hinges on whether retailers decide to place orders at the market, a decision that involves considerable risk and a thorough analysis of consumer behavior and market trends.
