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Soft suedes and bright hues freshen upholstery

By Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, January 20, 2002

TORONTO — TORONTO — New looks, covers and colors were the order of the day in upholstery showrooms here as factories fought for a larger share of retail real estate.

Key trends included the continued explosion of soft suede fabrics, coupled with a strong march back towards brighter, more cheerful colors.

Few, if any, upholstery makers failed to offer a new suede group, and while the warm, comforting earth tones of previous markets continued to build a following, retailers were most interested in hues such as pink, red, orange and deep blue. Cotton prints also enjoyed something of a renaissance, particularly in bright colors and bold patterns.

Perhaps the best example of the growing importance of suedes was evident at Sklar-Peppler, which added Sklar Suede to its offerings. Gerry Modjeski, executive vice president, said the fabric — which in this case is imported cut and sewn from Taiwan — has become so popular that it's a must for every retail floor.

And it doesn't matter whether the factory is a leather or fabric specialist, the new suedes are beginning to be seen as a vital component of every producer's offerings.

While traditional styles long have been at the forefront of Canadian consumer tastes, with the possible exception of Quebec, European styling influences were evident everywhere this market. Most executives said contemporary and transitional looks got the most buyer attention at market.

Also getting big play was the chaise lounge, either as a standalone accent piece or as the corner unit of a sofa or sectional. Stylus Made-to-Order Sofas introduced Add-A-Chaise; a chaise lounge and ottoman, which can be moved to any seat on the sofa or sectional while the ottoman also can be used separately with an armchair.

Sklar-Peppler even added a chaise end option to their lower-priced Advantage Line. El Ran offered the same option on its Carolina and Hickory sectionals, both of which debuted this market.

The lean into contemporary produced some funky new pieces, such as the Taboo collection from Trica, the first upholstery collection from the St-Jérôme, Quebec-based case goods producer. The upholstered seat and backs are set on a square or rectangular metal base. Separate backs and armrests are then attached.

Sofas International debuted the Jelly Bean, a direct descendent of its Chameleon collection. The group offers sinuous curves with all the quick-change possibilities of the Chameleon in a broad range of contrasting and bright fabrics.

"Everything has to be very clean and simple," said Robert Vlessing, president of Coja Leatherline. "While modern/contemporary seems to be the favorite style, everything has to have a soft hand or a soft leather."

Beyond looks, buyers remained focused on delivery and service.

"The biggest thing at this market was expedient delivery," said Laine Reynolds, vice president of sales and marketing for stationary fabric house Superstyle Furniture. "Price definitely wasn't top of mind, but service certainly was."

"There has been no resistance at all in price," Vlessing said. Leather prices, which had a rough ride in 2001, not only have stabilized in recent weeks but have started to come down slightly, he said. "Our prices are now back to where they were last January," the Coja executive said.

"People are dressing their frames up — we're seeing a lot of better-grade fabrics being used," said Jason Harris, national sales manager for Stylus Made-to-Order Sofas. "People are rushing to get fresh new looks on the floor."

Steve Wallace, regional sales manager/Canada for Lane Home Furnishings, said the value story continues to be important. "Whether its leather or fabric, you have to show quality at value price points," he said.

LEFT: The Harem collection from Jaymar features natural leather with subtle shading, deep curves, fringed cushions in Oriental motifs and an upholstered ottoman, exemplifying the market's contemporary styling bent while remaining true to warm earth tones.

BELOW: Lane Home Furnishings' Continental Collection aimed to satisfy the ongoing retail demand for quality at value price points.

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