Home office still quiet
By Tom Edmonds -- Furniture Today, April 19, 2004
HIGH POINT — Buyers will find a modest assortment of new home office collections at market as the category still seems stuck in the doldrums at retail.
Although a number of specialists around the country continue to make a good living selling home office furniture, more than a few full-line stores have cut back or nearly eliminated their departments due to weak sales.
This trend has thrown a wet blanket on the enthusiasm of many home office manufacturers and importers, who are reluctant to invest a lot of time and energy developing new product in a soft category.
It's important to note, though, that there is a core group of SOHO sources that continue to devote considerable time and energy to their home office introductions. This market, they're putting special emphasis on eye-catching storage and display pieces, such as bookcases, writing desks and files.
In particular, the library wall and interpretations of its smaller cousin, the barrister bookcase, seem to be getting strong play. This new emphasis recognizes that home office isn't always all about work. Many new homes have a dedicated home office immediately off the entry foyer, where the home office is a place of prestige as well as work, creating demand for stylish statement pieces.
Hekman has added three-piece library bookcases in four styles to match its best-selling executive home office collections. Sligh has developed what it is calling a new "home storage" category that includes a variety of bookcases and display cabinets.
And Hooker's Albany Park home office, aimed at younger adults with a clean design that blends contemporary sensibilities with a traditional pattern, includes a smart bookcase with sliding glass doors.
Stanley has two showcase introductions combining executive flair with working function. Making a grand statement, Wainwright is a traditional 18th-century design with casual elements that give it a warm, welcoming feel. For more contemporary sensibilities, Beau Nouveau is a rich, sophisticated design in Biedermeier styling with walnut veneers. The striking double-lateral file in this collection includes utility drawers and a pullout work surface.
Riverside is adding a couple of stylish writing desks, one in white ash burl with scrolled metal legs and leather top and the other in oak with slate inlay. These desks are available with matching chairs to complete the look. For executive office, the company's American Crossing introduction, in cherry veneers and hardwood solids, features the large desk and storage pieces one would expect, as well as a barrister's bookcase.
Producers continue to look to add function, and some of the latest enhancements seem quite useful. For instance, Hooker has added more connections to its desktop powerbar. In addition to the usual power outlets, the new master control panel includes a USB hub and Ethernet ports for broadband.
Serving the big box retailers and national chains that require constant merchandise updates for promotions, flat-pack furniture specialists are bringing numerous new looks and collections to market. Sauder Woodworking – perhaps the busiest — is including home office in several of its new collections, which hit promotional as well as midpriced RTA retails.
Ameriwood continues to expand its offerings of RTA home office with solid-wood details. A concept first brought out in entertainment, the company is now moving into home office. The six-piece, cherry-finished Westlake group includes a writing desk, five-shelf bookcase, corner bookcase, corner desk and low cabinets with either doors or lateral file.
