A bit of the new seen in San Fran
By Joan Gunin -- Furniture Today, August 29, 2005
San Francisco — Despite very light retailer traffic, several manufacturers at this month's market here still offered new products.
With the San Francisco Mart aiming to become a designer-oriented venue, American Leather, Ilami Imports and Omnia offered new upholstered seating aimed at the design trade. Armen Art and Palliser showed products that were new in High Point in April.
Some companies, however, staffed market spaces with sales representatives or showroom managers, and said they were merely fulfilling their contractual lease obligations. They were selling showroom samples.
Omnia introduced two frames in leather covers and microfiber targeting the design trade.
"Designers are seeking contemporary motion pieces," said Showroom Manager Michelle Devine. Omnia filled the bill with a center-tufted motion sofa dressed in a heavy microfiber cover.
At American Leather, northern California sales representative Heather Rapp called the evolving designer market "viable." Ted Pacifico, manager of Showroom 500, which offers product from American Leather and others, said, "We're being very optimistic. We want this to be a big trade show for designers."
In temporary showrooms on the SFM's second floor, Ilami Imports, a five-year-old Dallas-based custom upholstery maker, introduced a one-armed contemporary leather chaise.
"The San Francisco market draws a lot of designers," said President Essi Ilami. "We would like this market to succeed."
On the seventh floor, Wanda Spangenberg, who manages showrooms featuring several lines, said, "There is great potential here. If we transition it properly, it will be very good."
Palliser, the lone tenant on the third floor, was at the market to support its local sales reps but will not return to the building, said Ben Horch, vice president of U.S. sales.
