Case goods sources develop tools to help retailers
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, April 23, 2007
High Point — Drawing consumers into stores these days takes work, and case goods producers are providing new tools to help retailers.
New goods and programs shown at market are designed to make sales associates' jobs easier, according to manufacturers. Producers with domestic factories promoted their new options for wood finishes and chair fabrics, while importers touted faster shipping times and stateside warehousing.
Canadian producer Leda showed a new platform bed with a headboard that can be covered with any of the 150 fabrics in the company's dining chair line, including 40 microfibers, said President Marco Confalone.
High-end producers like AICO, Kindel, Alfonso Marina and Jonathan Charles adorned several pieces here with marquetry, using woods including mahogany, cherry, ebony and maple. On the footboard of its Romanza bed, AICO has a raised, bowed oval nearly three feet across, with marquetry patterns in the center.
Doing fine marquetry is neither easy nor inexpensive, said AICO President Larry Rinaldi, but it gives a luxurious effect that compels the consumer's eye.
Retailers know Ello for its glass and metal combinations, but this market, the manufacturer offered a line of imported wood products in a space across the hall from its main showroom in the International Home Furnishings Center's Design wing.
Dimensions by Ello, launched four years ago, had been shown at previous High Point Markets in the C&D Building. President Alan Molton said he wanted the import line to develop a name for itself and not be confused with Ello's direction with Italian glass and metal goods. Now that time has passed and a space opened in the IHFC, it made sense to move Dimensions. Both lines are contemporary and modern, so sales representatives carry both lines and can move freely between the spaces, Molton said.
Companies also focused more attention this market on "green" initiatives. Thomas Hahn & Home pushed its E.C.O. line of ecologically friendly solid rubberwood. Andes International is using Bolivian timber that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, as well as wood from managed forests in Chile, although that country is not yet part of the council.
Andes has been known for rustic yet stately furniture from Latin America, but augmented its line with modern designs at the Las Vegas Market in January. In High Point, the company offered new designs that managed to include details of both style directions. A formal dining table has straight lines with a contemporary feel, yet the thick wooden top has been hand-planed for a rustic touch.
