Why it's so hard to find a good couch

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, NCTammy Nagum, President and CEO of the High Point Market AuthorityFederico Contigiani, President of Hickory ChairMatt Hartman, reporter at The AssemblyThanks 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 Kine, 27 February 1961, ua102_400_309766_20221007_49866, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, North CarolinaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.