Lane line offers custom choices
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, April 19, 2004
HIGH POINT — Bucking a tidal wave of imports, Lane is set to unveil five leather recliners with covers that are cut and sewn domestically.
The new chairs, which will retail for $599 to $799, give dealers increased special-order capability and provide consumers with a wider array of cover choices, said Bob Young, Lane's merchandise manager for recliners.
He said the program, which was previewed at last month's premarket, includes more than 50 leather colors.
Young said Lane will continue to offer recliners with leather covers that are cut and sewn in Asia and South America. However, he believes a significant number of consumers will appreciate the ability to, in effect, customize their purchase by placing a special order.
"The other leather product is necessary to hit certain price points, but we have narrowed the (price) gap with our new domestic introductions," Young said.
In recent years, upholstery producers have increasingly turned to sources in China and South America for cut-and-sewn leather covers. The covers are then shipped to U.S. plants where the chairs are assembled.
Lane's domestic leather lineup consists of one recliner at $599, three at $699 and another at $799.
