Home entertainment dances to new beats
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, January 27, 2002
SAN FRANCISCO — Exhibitors at the market here rolled out new looks and features to spur business for their home entertainment lines, and much the same held true at the Toronto winter market.
Klaussner introduced its biggest wall unit ever, Powell offered its first entertainment armoire, and South Shore added lots of accessory storage.
Major importer Powell launched its home entertainment line in October 2000 with centers that included space for televisions and components. The company has added new looks since then but didn't have an armoire, and retailers were asking for it, said Sean Slack, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing.
The new traditional armoire has adjustable shelves so it can be used for home entertainment or home office needs. The piece retails for $699.
A popular feature in the past year has been a floating bridge that allows side piers to be adjusted to fit the size of the television. Canwood added this feature to a center retailing between $899 and $999.
Extra storage was featured in a new entertainment center from Canadian producer South Shore. In addition to open front shelves, the center has side storage shelves that hold up to 100 CDs and 54 VHS tapes.
Adateck drew many buyers to its Toronto space with a unique entertainment armoire based on medieval styles. The company's Marlaine Dube said only 100 units have been made, with certificates given for each.
The armoire has ascot cuts in the top, hand carvings on the bottom, leaded stained glass, European hinges and pocket doors, plus modern electronics considerations like a knockout back panel and cord management. The case is made of solid birch with a walnut finish.
Sculpting on the piece came from artist Michel Gauthier, Dube said, while Ginette Clement handled the stained glass. Adateck's armoire retails for about $4,000.
Bigger is better for Klaussner's introduction, Windsor. Klaussner previewed the 84-inch entertainment wall at the October High Point show. Not only is it Klaussner's largest ever, the piece also hits its highest price point, $1,899 to $1,999.
Windsor is made of solid hardwood and cherry veneer, with a solid top, glass doors in side piers and glass shelves in the piers and corner end cabinets.
Two popular introductions from October, Jameson River and Treasures, inspired corresponding entertainment furniture from Klaussner this winter.
Klaussner is offering 10 entertainment styles in its Express Delivery Program. Retailers can mix styles in one container, and product will reach stores in less than 60 days, while many competitors take 90 days, said Todd Campbell, sales manager for case goods.
Brownwood Furniture does 60% to 70% of total volume in home entertainment, according to President Rick Vartanian. Its most-popular style features latticework doors and piers. The light to medium colors sell best, said Vartanian, except in certain areas like Texas and Colorado where darker finishes prevail.
Imports play an important role in home entertainment for many companies, including Kushwood, Blackhawk and Golden Oak.
Kushwood is importing components for 11 home entertainment units, which are assembled at its Ontario, Calif., plant, said Elena Kush, co-owner. The best-selling model is a natural maple group.
Blackhawk's import division, Seahawks Designs, showed a lifestyle look with the new Silhouette collection.
The entertainment wall is part of the full collection, which is inspired by Mission styling. The oak center stands 72 inches tall with a medium Cinnamon finish and black accents. The full wall retails for $1,999.
Golden Oak, based in San Diego, has a factory just across the Mexican border, where much of its home entertainment furniture is made. Many pieces are imported from China.
Using solid hardwoods and veneers, Golden Oaks aims to offer a compelling combination of price, value and style.
| Signature by Bestar's audio/video cabinet has CD storage on the left, adjustable shelves on the right and a bottom drawer, storing all the components and accessories for a home theater. |
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