Video: ‘Face Of Furniture Market’ Retiring After 26 Years

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – For most of her 26 years at the Tupelo Furniture Market, Janice Coleman has been in the loop on most of the events and activities at the biannual shows. But Thursday evening , during the Buyer’s Award, Coleman was shocked when she became the center of attention.

After 26 years working alongside Furniture Market President VM Cleveland, Coleman is retiring. She has worn many hats over the years.

“She started working in housing, and sort of meet and greet,” Cleveland said.

“Doing whatever we could do,” Coleman said.

“She would do a little of this, a little of that,” Cleveland said.

Coleman began working for the market in 1990, when there was only one building. She has seen the Coley Road complex grow to more than 2 million
square feet. She has made countless lifelong friends overseeing all of the events.

“All of this has been a wonderful ride and they’re all my friends and family like I said, and you can’t replace anything like this, I’ve watched it grow
and I’ve been so proud, and honestly, with VM, I’ve treated this like it’s my own business because that’s the way I felt,” Coleman said.

Her tireless work and dedication is known and appreciated by furniture market vendors.

“This could almost be called Janice Coleman Market, she is the market, she’s been great and a great lady,” said Virgil Henry of J Henry.

“Janet is the ambassador to the market. She is probably the most beloved with all the people, she has been a fixture for the last couple of decades,” said Jay Quimby of United Furniture.

“She’s always been the best around here, she always comes and checks on us, she’s excellent, love this lady,” said Isaac Cohen, of Classy Art.

Although Janice Coleman won’t be here on a day to day basis, she does plan on coming back, every February and August to help with the Furniture Market.
And VM Cleveland, buyers and exhibitors wouldn’t have it any other way.

Coleman plans to spend more time with her grandkids, and maybe do some traveling.