A broad mix of celebrity and entertainment brands swept across the recent High Point Furniture Market. The annual spring show also underscored the rise of interior designers as licensed brands in and of themselves.

For example, interior designer Thom Filicia worked with supplier Cyan Design to develop a home goods collection that will be released in October that stretches across lighting, accessories, sculptures, and accent rugs made from fiber derived from flowering plants.

There was also furniture supplier Abner Henry, which brought out a limited-edition high-end collection that will be available in Q4 that’s inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). Also unveiling new Met-licensed products were Wendover Art Group (wall art), Eichholtz (vases, lamps, and coffee, end, and console tables) and Exquisite Rugs, all of which ship this fall.

These big names are especially appealing because they are a reliable way to add value to a range, something that’s increasingly important in the face of tighter spending.

“There is a lot going on in terms of consumer trends because we are in a very tight economy and value takes on a whole new meaning,” said Nora Gomez, Chief Merchandising Officer at retailer Nebraska Furniture Mart.  “It’s not just about price, but how can I get beautiful designs and still pay the bills. All those things are converging together and it’s important that we stay ahead and mindful of them, so the customer isn’t disappointed.”

Among the new designs spotlighted at the High Point event were two collections of Home Meridian International’s (HMI) licensed Scott Brothers furniture—Drew and Jonathan Home as well as Scott Living by Drew & Jonathan—which were housed in a 10,000-squre-foot section of HMI parent Hooker Furniture’s new showroom. Mattress supplier Restonic, which renewed its licensing agreement with Scott Brothers earlier this year, also took space in the Hooker showroom.

Those product launches were joined by retailer Banana Republic’s internally designed BR line of linen duvet covers ($310), sheets ($360), shams ($120), decorative pillows, and rugs ($2295-$7550). The collection has been launched in 15 stores and marks the second home collection introduced by BR parent Gap, which released a line at Walmart under its own brand in 2021. It’s also the first offering since Banana Republic renamed itself BR in a move to revamp the business in the face of declining sales.

“We are paying a lot of attention to the younger customer because it is that segment that is growing,” said a furniture licensing executive. “[Gen Z and Millennials are] increasing in importance, but they are very persnickety and it’s about being on trend and providing them with the right style and price for their wallet.”

In order to appeal to these young consumers, ranges need to hit a sweet spot of being multi-functional and affordable while also highlighting key buzzwords, the executive said. And it was made clear at High Point Furniture Market that one of those buzzwords is sustainability.

For example, the Sustainable Furnishings Council—a coalition of retailers, manufacturers, and designers dedicated to raising awareness of and expanding the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices—met at the show. And Greenington introduced a new line of bamboo bedroom, dining, and home office furniture culled from trees near its plant in China (which is a zero-waste facility).

“There is a feeling sustainability is the price of entry because that is what the consumer wants and designers are very conscious of this as well,” said Linda Morgenstern, VP of Brand Management at Beanstalk, which represents The Met. “That is great to see, because 10 years ago it would have been a blip on the radar screen. Now, there is an association supporting it and nature-derived sensibility is finding its way into furniture.”