(HIGH POINT) -- The High Point Market is off to a good start. The largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, which brings more than 80,000 people to the Triad region of the state every six months. Market President and CEO Tom Conley said there are signs of an improving economy.

"The number of exhibiting companies is up and the number of preregistered buyers and buying companies is up and the optimism in the Market area is very, very positive, but certainly from a Market perspective we're very excited because everybody seems to be thinking good thoughts and anticipating a very strong Market," said Conley.

He added that there are a growing number of manufacturers offering domestically produced home furnishings, in every category of the home. "The American consumer is looking out for their fellow American and prefer to buy American made products.  It's a very nice combination of the global competitiveness that keeps the prices low and the fact that American ingenuity can compete on a global basis and that's good for everybody."

The High Point Market started on Saturday and runs through Thursday.

(Thanks to: WSJS)