Wesley Allen does well with first case goods
Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, April 23, 2007
High Point — Metal bed producer Wesley Allen, aiming to build on its reputation for quality and design, introduced its first case goods at market to accompany its beds.
Two new sets of wood bedroom pieces, which have been in development for over three years, include dressers, chests, mirrors and nightstands. Sourced in the Philippines, they are made with mahogany solids and veneers.
Company President Victor Sawan said the product did not do as well with sleep shops that usually carry his product as they did with furniture stores more accustomed to case goods. But he said for a first time showing, he was pleased at the response.
"The styling of the product was very well received," said Sawan. "Most of the people coming in that have furniture stores or who are interior designers understood the product very well. They understood the detailing that went into it."
While the case pieces are meant to complement the metal beds, Sawan said they also can stand on their own. But it's likely the sets will be sold as a package to dealers already interested in the beds. Based on prices of new beds shown at market, retails on a set of a bed and four case pieces would range from $4,549 to about $6,200.
Sawan said the products will begin shipping by the fall, and the company likely will bring out more wood bedroom in the future.
