HIGH POINT MARKET: Casual dining sources see rise in confidence at retail
Lighter finishes, functional touches gain ground
Heath Combs -- Furniture Today, October 21, 2009
AT THE MARKET — Most casual dining sources are reporting better traffic than last October, saying it was light early but has picked up as the market carries on.And confidence appears to be growing again at retail, many say.
A number of sources are trying to take advantage of any prospect for improved business by offering lighter wood finishes, plus functional and practical touches.
 Ligo says its Steam Bent Wood Seat program, which is designed to offer comfortable seating that configures to body shape, has been well-received by dealers this market. |
There's also a significant amount of variety. Broyhill and Lifestyle continue working to grow their casual dining categories, while companies such as Hekman, Jofran and Schnadig have added custom options.
A-America rolled out seven new groups in Las Vegas and three in High Point this week and will produce eight of the 10.
"That's a very good success ratio. We're happy," said Crystal Nguyen, vice president of merchandising for A-America.
She said buyers appreciate the solid wood dining story and the addition of function to groups. Medium tones and natural cherry are emerging more in finishes.
"It breaks up a sea of dark brown. But we're still selling a lot of dark finishes," Nguyen said.
Traffic was lightest at the market's Saturday start but picked up by Monday, she added. "Overall we've been very busy in here," Nguyen said, adding that the quality of traffic "is very good."
Chad Gascho, owner and president of Conrad Grebel, said retailers continue to respond to the company's Simply Dining program introduced in April. The program offers 30-day custom orders out of Indiana, made by the state's Amish Mennonite craftsmen, with table, shape, leg, style, color and tone options.
"That's just because of everything it offers and the simplicity of the order process," Gascho said.
There has been a good response this market to transitional lifestyle groups, he said
At Lifestyle, retailers are responding well to casual dining programs out of Malaysia, Vietnam and China. The company has added more than 20 groups with regular and counter-height tables, said Derrick Ng, assistant vice president.
Pricing on five-piece sets ranges from $149 to $499 retail. Well received introductions include a five-piece Chinese group with a faux marble top and Parsons chairs with vinyl seat and back available in regular or counter height for $199.
At Ligo, retailers are responding well to the company's painted dining program, consisting of three table configurations at regular and counter height with two chairs and six color options.
"People who see (colors) reveal they're looking to make a splash in their stores to enhance the category. There's a lot of black and tobacco on floors with no color," said Dan Angus, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Ligo.
Angus also said retailers have liked the company's transitional Grayscale collection with gray-brown oak veneer that matches well with granite and marble kitchen surfaces. A five-piece set retails for $799.
Traffic is higher than it was last October to this point in market, he said, and retailers seem more positive.
"I think they're starting to see a noticeable increase in sales," he said.
More High Point Market October 2009 Coverage
