Casual dining hot buttons: Height, extras, eco-friendly
By Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, April 6, 2009
HIGH POINT — If you're looking for hot sellers in casual dining, consider offering a set with one or more of these features — counter height, eco-friendly design or mixed media.
Counter-height sets continue to draw traffic and sales for retailers. And it helps if you can offer something extra, such as slate inserts or faux leather seats.
Green also is an increasingly effective hook for drawing consumers' attention, but make sure the price, quality and construction are right.
Here's a detailed look at what's doing well right now in casual dining at three leading retailers — American Rental, in Bloomington, Ind.; greenfurniture.com, based in Salt Lake City; and Raymour & Flanigan, a Top 100 retailer headquartered in Liverpool, N.Y.
 Hazel dining set from Greenington |
What's hot: Hazel dining set from Greenington
Where it's selling:www.green-furniture.com.
Key features: Rustic modern styling with bamboo construction and caramelized color or natural finish. The set retails for $1,398 to $1,698, depending on length.
Why it works: “We've had some decent success with the Hazel dining table,” says David Yared, owner of www.green-furniture.com. “It falls within a manageable price point. Some bamboo products for those unfamiliar with them may seem a little pricey. This one has a decent price point. It's very solid, very well made. The color is pretty true to the pictures. Customers have been happy with it.”
The Denver collection by HomElegance
What's hot: The Denver collection by HomElegance
Key features: Goes for a Midwestern appeal with rich red oak veneers, walnut inlay and a seven-step amber finish. Counter stool seats feature soft faux leather cushions. A five-piece set retails for $799.
Where it's selling: Raymour & Flanigan, Liverpool, N.Y.
Why it works: “Counter-height tables are the most popular category we're seeing now in casual dining,” says Micah Swick, senior case goods buyer for Raymour & Flanigan. “It is a more natural seating height. Counter-height sets were first introduced six to seven years ago and have consistently grown in popularity. Our most popular (counter-height) group is the Denver collection. It has a stylish X-back design on the chairs. Customers appreciate the added value of the intricate walnut inlays in the table top and the faux leather seating.”
 The Sedona corner nook from Sunny Designs |
What's hot: Sunny Design's Sedona corner dining nook
Where it's selling: American Rental, Bloomington, Ind.
Key features: The Sedona corner nook features distressed oak and oak veneer with a slate inset option on the table top and bench backs. The set also features reversible seats with underneath storage.
Why it works: “This corner bench with inlaid slate and corner seating is one of our hottest sets,” says David P. David, vice president of American Rental. “The table with the attractive slate does two to three times better than the table without. Customers out shopping for furniture will see it in the window and stop in to buy it. They have to have it.”
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