Fresh ideas stir casual dining
By Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, February 16, 2009
LAS VEGAS — LAS VEGAS — The mood last week for casual dining suppliers was about as expected: Buyers were cautious but looking for fresh ideas and traffic was a little slower but still steady.
Many companies said fresher looks helped drive traffic.
Sunny Designs had 24 new casual sets spanning dining, pub and counter categories and starting at $699. Mixed- media sets were well received, including its Stoney Creek introduction with polished stone accents and adjustable-height tables, said Annabelle Go-Eisler, major accounts manager.
Adjustable height is a relatively new feature in casual dining but one that is popping up more often, such as at Riverside. A plus is that the design allows retailers to show one SKU and two sizes, taking up less floor space, Go-Eisler said.
A-America saw record traffic last week. “I'm pleased with the traffic and we've had a positive reaction to our product,” said Crystal Nguyen, vice president of merchandising.
She said solid-hickory sets continue to do well at retail, despite the soft economy. She added that retailers continued to shop the company looking to replace domestic sources that have closed in recent years.
Canadel reported a good reception for a solid-birch set with five finish options and butterfly leaf that is priced to retail at $1,299. An optional new lift-top feature — inspired by consumer research — with a lid opening to show space for storage was also well received by dealers.
“You have to come out with new features. That and efficient marketing are the keys to success right now. We're asking what they're looking for in furniture and they're saying they need function,” said Stephane Deschesnes, vice president of market and product development at Canadel.
Primo International said it did well with casual dining price points from $199 to $799 and with its Super Xpress Delivery, promising 48-hour delivery on everything in its North American warehouse stocking program.
“There's less traffic overall at this market but we're busy. If you look around the people are here and they're writing orders. They're careful and cautious, but they're still buying,” said John DeFalco, senior executive vice president.
G.S. Furniture — which showed an additional third of its line in a larger space here — had success with its Casual Home program, rolled out in November and spanning retail price points from $399 to $1,199, said Dana Steele, general manager.
Antonio Romero, a sales manager for Import Direct Furniture, said having product in stock at a West Coast warehouse and two East Coast warehouses has helped drive business up over the last six months.
“I think we're starting to get looked at more because retailers need an option besides a container and they need stock right away,” Romero said.
Hot items for the company last week included the company's Livingstone II mixed-media set with stone inserts and tobacco oak finish retailing for $1,499 with wrap-around bench seating and chairs.
Modus Furniture saw several Top 100 accounts, said Jon Lannertone, national sales manager. The company introduced its usual three 5-piece dining sets covering the $499 to $799 price range, with quality features like 10-bolt construction to strengthen chair bottoms.
“Our goal right now is to give people more than they're used to getting at the price point they're buying,” said Lannertone. “Customers are looking for more value in our price targets and sometimes it's a challenge finding something well built with comfort.”
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Fresh ideas stir casual dining
Feb 13, 2009
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