Exhibitors at High Point, N.C., Fabric Show Face Tough Economy Squarely.

Byline: Richard Craver

Jul. 16--HIGH POINT, N.C.--The opening day of the Showtime trade show found exhibitors hedging their bets yesterday about business prospects.

Showtime, which is not open to the public, is held twice a year in downtown High Point. It typically draws about 2,500 participants to check out the latest products in wovens, prints, trimmings and leather.

With the soft economy and growing concerns about imports of cheaper Asian fabrics and furniture looming over the trade show, many exhibitors said they reduced their product lines because they are leery of stretching themselves too far.

"People are hopeful of improvements in …