Motion garners more serious interest
By Joan Gunin -- Furniture Today, February 4, 2007
Las Vegas — Motion upholstery resources that rolled out new product and programs here last week were more than pleased with the results.
Several resources that moved to the main World Market Center buildings said they were rewarded with a more serious audience.
Roy Calcagne, senior vice president of Universal and president of sister upholstery producer Craftmaster, had shown in the temporary Pavilions but this market had a permanent space in Building B.
"The atmosphere in the (Pavilion) tents was more casual," Calcagne said. "Buyers were not as intent on shopping for product. But here they wrote orders."
Craftmaster launched its imported leather recliner line here.
At MAC Motion, a supplier of contemporary Eurostyle two-piece chair and ottoman sets, President Butch McCracken said, "We saw every major that we could even consider talking to."
A good part of the action in motion is driven by the category's linkage with popular big-screen televisions, with consumers looking to lean back to watch their new electronic toys.
"People are replacing their TVs and it all (benefits) motion," said Stephen Barr, president of Cheers, the domestic arm of Asian-owned Man Wah Holdings. "The motion category has maintained its growth.... (and) gained more SKUs as customers seek greater comfort."
Cheers, which does 70% of its leather business in the motion category, drew many walk-ins at its new showroom in Building B, Barr said.
Lane Home Furnishings offered several new recliner collections, with an emphasis on updated classic looks. "We're going after the Gen Y's and X'ers," said Brian Ingram, merchandise manager for recliners.
Gentry Long, Lane's vice president of recliners and motion seating, said, "We introduced some specials just for this market. We lowered some prices in order to drive retail business."
At Aspenhome, buyers were interested in the Interface and Apollo motion sofas, companion seating to its new LIV 360 concept of "multi-tasking" furniture. "We had really, really good reception," said Marketing Manager Renee Loper.
El Ran launched the Tandem program, combining imported motion pieces with its domestic assortment. The Canadian company also unveiled a sofa-sleeper outfitted with an inflatable air mattress and storage inside the unit.
Ekornes highlighted its new Sector, a connecting piece that fits between two recliners to create a home theater unit.
Catnapper did well with five groups, while Douglas Furniture debuted motion modular units with wood trim, in two finishes.
Leather Italia USA scored with styles designed to appeal to West Coast tastes. "We drew a lot of dealers who were not familiar with us," said Sales Manager Marshall Evans.
At Barcalounger, President Wayne Stephens reported opening-day traffic in his company's showroom was 50% higher than last January.
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Motion upholstery drawing looks at Vegas
Jan 31, 2007
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