Creativity extends beyond styling with casual dining
By Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, April 23, 2007
High Point — Several casual dining resources put creativity at center stage during market.
But the category isn't just lending itself to product that allows multi-functional, multi-room uses. Category leader Canadel took a big step with previews of slick marketing software that offers a sneak peek at what could be the future.
In its High Point showroom, Canadel ran a six-minute, multimedia demonstration of its room configuration software, part of a $1.6 million project that will be complete by January, the company said. Canadel has created a new 3-D Division, started in December, with a staff of 17- to 26-year-olds.
The software ultimately aims to show a detailed depiction of entire rooms — including customized furniture, of course, but also such elements as paint, carpet, walls and windows, down to the sun's reflection in the glass of a corner hutch as the room rotates on the screen.
The software takes Canadel's customization message to a next generation of users.
"This is for us, obviously, a big advantage," said Jean Deveault, vice president of sales and marketing. "When I showed this to my son, he said, 'You don't do this yet?'"
Also worth noting at Canadel was the success of its triangle table, named after perhaps the most famous of triangles — the Bermuda. Deveault said all of the company's Chicago accounts bought the style.
Tradewins, A.R.T. and Magnussen Home also added extra value with creative introductions in casual dining here.
At Tradewins, a standout was the Jamestown Small Space Essentials hutch in Tuscan black finish. It comes in a transitional look and features five leaves that slide on a fold-up rack into a hutch to become part of its base.
Designed for smaller homes, the tables are a nice fit for older buyers or condo living, said Tom Underhill, co-owner of the company.
Underhill said traffic was light and the halls seemed quiet at the beginning of the week, although Tradewins was having a robust market. "I think they did make a poor choice having it so close to the Las Vegas Market," he said.
Howard Miller also reported light early traffic. But the company's big bar cabinet launch at the Las Vegas Market in January was a perfect springboard for High Point, said Mark Siciliano, director of marketing. "The folks wrote business and it was quality visits," he said.
A.R.T.'s Craft Table in a natural New Zealand high-altitude pine comes with open shelves for cabinet storage on the sides, and adds new function to the counter-height category. It sold well.
"Its versatility gives the salespeople something to talk to the customer about," said CEO Ed Grund.
Another dining collection that buyers noticed falls into the eco-friendly category. Thomas Hahn and Home featured a stylish contemporary table in its E.C.O. collection, in a water-based finish that features no CFCs. The table is Forest Stewardship Council-certified.
"If we can do something better for the environment and spend a little more money, why not do it?" said the company's Kelly Hahn.
Janice Holcomb, at seating and dining maker J.H. Craver and Sons, said softness in the housing market is hurting furniture. Bad weather in New England also has put a damper on some of the company's business there, since the company deals with so many designers purchasing for coastal or second homes.
Universal, meanwhile, introduced five freestanding barstools that can fit in several different environments. The stools swivel and feature durable microfiber seats.
The popularity of eclectic looks at promotional price points helped drive business at LPK International, said President Peter Kroll. Citing some Crate & Barrel-inspired looks, he said, "Consumers want that same look at affordable pricing, and they want the same looks they see on television — and that they can afford."
Kroll said thick, woven leather looks on chairs and kitchen accent cabinets were popular.
