Entertainment likely to generate interest
By Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, February 9, 2009
LAS VEGAS — The Super Bowl is over and next week's switch to digital TV broadcasting may be delayed, but entertainment furniture resources don't believe that will hinder sales in the still-dynamic category.
Clearly, the category isn't as vibrant today as it was a year ago, but executives say they still expect a high level of interest in the product at this week's Las Vegas market.
“The business has been holding up really well,” said West Allen, marketing director at Parker House. “I think buyers will be after new and fresh looks that will excite their salespeople.”
Albert Lin, vice president of Signature Home Furnishings, agreed, noting that the inauguration of President Barack Obama may have lifted the spirits of consumers just enough to convince them to make a few discretionary purchases — such as furniture.
“We saw a little bit of a pick-up at the end of the year, and we had a good month of January, too,” Lin said. “Entertainment (furniture) has always been one of our strengths.”
Like Parker House and many other entertainment resources, Signature has several new products in its market showroom that they hope will deliver the right combination of price and value to make in onto a retailer's floor.
“Hopefully, things are starting to turn around,” Lin said.
Buyers shopping for entertainment furniture, in fact, will find a moderate to heavy round of product introductions at market — ranging from large wall systems to consoles with electric fireplace inserts.
Klaussner, for example, is adding a Mission-style modular wall system to its lineup, while Aspenhome is adding the expansive Barolo Grand wall system, which includes a drawer for video game components.
Parker House, meanwhile, may have the largest rollout of wall systems with the unveiling of its Vista collection. The new collection features 11 walls in a variety of styles.
Consoles, however, remain the most popular element of the category and dominate the market introductions.
Sligh, for example, is adding a collection of nine consoles to its Loft 102 brand, while the newest console from Twin-Star International's Tresanti line includes an iPod/iPhone docking station.
In addition to linking with the ubiquitous iPod brand, Tresanti is cross-merchandising its newest models with cable and power supply resource Monster. Each new unit includes a Monster power source panel.
A pair of value-priced consoles with contemporary styling can be found in the Michels & Co. showroom, while a pair of consoles that utilize bamboo veneers can be seen in the Powell showroom.
Broyhill's new Stafford collection, meanwhile, includes 48-inch and 60-inch entertainment consoles with matching occasional tables.
So-called tall consoles, which often are designed for bedroom use, also should garner considerable attention at market. The tall console in Zocalo's new Ventana collection is one example, as is the newest console from Whittier Wood.
The Whittier entry, which retails for $999, is crafted of American alder hardwoods and has a glazed antique cherry finish.
Consoles with electric fireplace inserts continue to grow in popularity, and will be on display in the showrooms of Buhler, Classic Flame, Dimplex, Eagle and Orleans, among others.
Buhler's three new fireplace consoles are available in oak or maple finishes, while Dimplex has three consoles with the new “Widescreen 25” firebox.
Classic Flame's introductions include the ornate Artesian and the traditional-styled Carmel.
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Entertainment segment continues evolving
Jul 29, 2007 -
Fresh styles, function on tap in entertainment
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Array of product on tap for Vegas market
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