Vanity sinks star still rising
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, June 21, 2004
High Point — High Point— Vanity sink cabinets are experiencing continued success thanks to a wide variety of styles and finishes. Product pioneers Hooker and Pulaski have added to their lines, while others are getting into the category for the first time.
New features include such things as splashguards and sinks with recessed, undermount basins.
Pulaski unveiled eight models in April, bringing its total to 30. Styles range from traditional and Victorian to transitional and contemporary, at price points between $999 and $1,999 retail. Executive Vice President James Kelly said the category has done well, with 2003 sales up about 20% from the year before.
"Because people are staying at home more, they want the bathroom to be equally beautiful as the rest of the house," he said.
Hooker unveiled three models in April. It now has 20 with average retail price points between $1,599 and $1,799. In addition to recessed sinks, it has a new single-sink model with a footprint similar to its double-sink version.
In its market showroom, it showed sinks with new companion linen armoires, illustrating how retailers can merchandise the products.
Ultimate Accents introduced six sinks for a total of 12. One new version fits into a corner and a 42-inch wide single-basin model offers more counter space.
Powell added a recessed, undermount brass sink in its Hills of Provence collection. It and other models have splashguards to help protect walls from water damage.
A newcomer to the category was Leader International, which introduced 20 hand-carved models with a combination of marble and granite tops. Retails start at $399 in styles ranging from traditional to transitional and contemporary with painted island motifs.
"We try to give customers something they can sell to everybody," said Mort Snitzer, senior vice president of marketing and sales. "You have to give customers a reason to buy."
Like Powell, Hooker and Pulaski, Leader expects to grow its vanity sinks line. "It's new and different and there will be a lot more of it," Snitzer said.
