Casual dining sources see bounce in traffic, orders
By Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, November 2, 2009
HIGH POINT — Most casual dining sources reported better traffic at this October's High Point Market than they saw a year earlier, with the heaviest action at more promotional price levels.
A number of sources were offering lighter wood finishes, and added functional and practical touches. There was also a significant amount of variety, with companies such as Hekman, Jofran and Schnadig rolling out custom options.
Confidence appears to be growing again at retail, many exhibitors said.
“We've written more orders down here than we've written in years,” said Dave Shock, national sales manager for Cramco, who estimated attendance was up 20%. He said there's pent-up demand, particularly for product that is in stock and warehoused. Good values in the $199 to $399 retail price range for five-piece sets sold well, Shock said.
At Accentage, the big story this market was Nova stone sets with heat-, water- and stain-resistant tops that resemble high-end marble. The $599 to $699 five-piece price points were the company's sweet spots for casual dining, according to David Witmer, a spokesman for Accentage.
“It was the first market in three markets where retailers are saying, 'How fast can I get this?' The new stuff they want to get to market as fast as possible,” Witmer said.
A-America rolled out seven new groups in Las Vegas and three in High Point and will produce eight of them.
“That's a very good success ratio. We're happy,” said Crystal Nguyen, vice president of merchandising for A-America.
She said buyers in High Point appreciated the solid- wood story and the addition of function to groups. Medium tones and natural cherry were emerging more, “but we're still selling a lot of dark finishes,” Nguyen said.
Chad Gashco, owner and president of Conrad Grebel, said retailers continued 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 population, 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.
Dave Foley, director of sales for Saloom, said customers who showed interest in the company's Gardner Contemporary line in April purchased or made commitments for the product this fall.
At Lifestyle Enterprise, retailers responded well to casual dining programs out of Malaysia, Vietnam and China. The company 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. One winner was a five-piece group from China with faux marble top and Parsons chair with vinyl seat and back available in regular or counter height for $199.
At Ligo, retailers responded 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. Dan Angus, senior vice president of sales and marketing, said the colorful sets appealed to retailers who are “looking to make a splash in their stores to enhance the category.”
Featured Company
-
FurnitureCore.com
FurnitureCore.com is a dynamic web application aimed at the furniture industry. Retailers and manufacturers alike will find our deep reserve of tools to be exactly what their furniture business needs.www.furniturecore.com... more
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
