Big walls, smaller pieces a hit in home entertainment
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, October 28, 2001
HIGH POINT — Wall systems were big hits in several home entertainment furniture showrooms here, but smaller pieces also found buyers.
As usual, introductions appealed to a broad array of tastes and were geared to accommodate the ever-changing variety of televisions, sound systems and other consumer electronics.
Some companies did well with traditional looks, while others found success with Mission, contemporary and rustic styles. Most manufacturers said they were pleased with the category's performance.
Interest in upholstery at Kincaid has increased sales of entertainment furniture as the company focuses on whole room environments, said Jack DeBonis, vice president of marketing. Kincaid also added more stand-alone entertainment units, which create space for TVs and audio/video components in a small space.
On the other hand, Kushwood and Hooker reported growing sales of big wall units. The best-selling new product for Kushwood was a wall in a light maple finish, said President Dan Kush.
"Walls did extremely well," said Hank Long, Hooker's senior vice president of merchandising and design. He said five new walls all sold well, with the best an English antique look.
A signature piece for Hooker is a hand-painted armoire in the PGA Tour Home collection. The doors have painted images of golfers, and at floor level is a golf ball return for putting practice.
At Hurtado, a new Art Deco collection was a winner, said Eloy Selles, general manager. The company is known for inlays, he said, and the new piece features a Brazilian wood in pewter. Selles said the traditional line also was successful.
Hamilton & Spill entered home entertainment this market with walls styled after successful occasional tables. Rick Verjee II, chief executive officer, said three walls will go into production. The most popular is based on the Carmel dining and occasional table collection with solid oak frames and bases and oak veneers, with a fretwork pattern in doors.
"Dealers liked the product, they think it's well priced, they think it will sell," said Verjee. "The dining room is selling, the occasional is selling."
Amini Innovation Corp. also showed home entertainment for the first time, while Arbek returned to the category after a five-year absence.
"We're very excited; the new entertainment walls went over fantastic," said Larry Rinaldi, AICO vice president of sales and marketing.
He said the walls were tied to new groups, and retailers requested other walls to go with some existing groups.
Sharut focused on its direct-delivery program as much as its products. The program allows consumers to purchase product from a retailer and have it delivered to the home, customized by Sharut's own crew. Entertainment units can be adjusted to room or TV size. In a sluggish economy, retailers like the program because they don't have to warehouse product and then worry if it will sell, said Kerry Cavanaugh, account coordinator.
| The Platt Collection had a winner with this home entertainment armoire with raised panels in the door with a diamond-facet design. The Mink finish is hand applied, with gold accents and a large, solid-brass door pull. |
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