Occasional products sport new colors, functions
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, April 23, 2007
High Point — Occasional furniture vendors continued an aggressive approach to merchandising here with a mix of new colors, designs and function that further link the category to upholstery and home entertainment.
From brightly colored finishes to tables with media storage and utility connections, new products gave retailers plenty of stories to tell consumers.
One example was CR-Home's InColor accent collection, with 21 accent and occasional pieces available in 13 color options that tie in with fabric colors on upholstery pieces. The concept did well with retailers, many of whom bought the whole program rather than individual pieces.
"We know based on our research that there is a high demand among females for customized color," said David Corbin, CR-Home senior vice president.
Philip Reinisch received strong response to its five new ColorTime display cabinets, available in five 24-step finishes. Retailing between $299 and $799, they also have reversible back panels in a chestnut finish, giving the pieced a dramatic two-tone option that sets the wood tones against bright colors.
"Half the story is about the color and the other half is about the finish," said Dave Urbanick, vice president of merchandising and marketing. "It's the story of the market for us."
Broyhill's Haven collection, which features $249 cocktails and end tables, also was well received. Occasional pieces in a white finish were shown as part of a room setting that included casual dining and contrasting upholstery and chairs in red and red and white fabrics.
Universal Furniture had strong response to occasional tables in its Better Homes and Gardens collection, which is shown in several lifestyle vignettes. Designs ranging from cottage to urban and traditional were a hit with buyers looking for options and occasional pieces that tie in with upholstery.
With cocktails retailing from $299 to $799, color is part of the story, particularly in the Classics vignette, which has a red Asian style cocktail and sofa table.
Magnussen Home also offered a lifestyle look in a 14-piece group called Sonoma. The mixed-media group has earth tone slate tops and metal bases and table legs, finished to look like weathered leather. It was a hit with dealers partly because of its ability to tie in casual dining, accents and occasional pieces.
Ultimate Accents had an aggressive launch with 92 new SKUs including seven mirrors priced as low as $199 retail. Other standout pieces included a $649 table with a glass top and a resin base in the shape of a tree and an $899 three drawer "Cebu" chest covered with Capiz and other decorative shells.
Butler Specialty Company turned to its roots by launching 25 accent pieces from the 1930s, '40s and '50s.
Priced between $99 and $499 retail, the group features tables and other accent items made from cherry solids and veneers. The company also launched another 125 new items in its various collections.
Stein World reported strong interest in a number of its 120 new items this market, including a $499 apothecary style chest in an espresso finish and an $899 traditional style credenza with a black granite top and wrought iron insets in the door fronts.
"People are writing orders," said David MacIntosh, chief operating officer. "I have some buyers that are cautiously optimistic. I have not heard it is all doom and gloom. I have heard business is tough, but I haven't heard business is disastrous. (Retailers) are using this category to enhance visual interest on their showroom floors."
