Limited assortment in leather
By Joan Gunin -- Furniture Today, March 9, 2003
High Point — Leather upholstery manufacturers are hoping to woo retailers with a limited assortment at next month's market.
HTL International had six new sofas at premarket last week and will add another 14 frame at market. With large-scale 95-inch frames, "We are going after a retro styling with grand scale and room to breathe," said Steve Barr, president of HTL USA. "Most of the frames are designed to float (in a room)."
Lane is re-energizing its licensed Eddie Bauer program with five new frames priced form $1,199 to $1,599 retail, including classic track arm, pub back and transitional design themes. The company is trying to marry each new group with a matching recliner, said David Wormald, merchandise manger for Lane leather.
At Italian Leather Seating/ILS, the joint venture between Calia, DeLuca and Casa Pelle, Dennis Kramer, vice president of sales and marketing, said he would have three and a half containers of merchandise on hand for the April show. In addition to emphasizing better leathers, ILS has expanded its chair program.
W. Schillig presented its Restaurant Collection, with elongated sectionals named for designer Philmore Harty's favorite eateries around the world.
"Our styles appeal to those people, particularly in larger metropolitan areas, who are not as affected by the economy," said Erik Stammberger, president of Schillig's U.S. division.
