Accent on the new in Vegas
From the Editors of Home Accents Today -- Furniture Today, August 19, 2007
In the market spotlight
Hellenic Rug Imports' focus at the summer Las Vegas Market was on Candice Olson's rug collection, set to debut nationwide this fall. The collection added 16 rugs, completing Olson's color and design direction for 2007 and the first quarter of 2008, with new designs and colors planned for spring 2008.
Messe Frankfurt's Interior Lifestyle exhibit at the Sands Expo showcased textiles and tabletop products from the Heimtextil and Ambiente shows in Germany, as well as high-end European exhibitors. More than 70 featured companies exhibited new uses of color and a trend toward cleaner, more functional designs.
Jane Seymour greeted buyers in the Vintage Verandah showroom, where her collection of lamps, accessories and candles was showcased. Todd Sawvelle, Vintage Verandah's marketing director, said the company expects to debut at least 50 items, including decorative tassels, at the fall High Point Market.
Bailey Street debuted its Couture Chairs Collection, a line of upholstered chairs with interchangeable custom covers. The chairs are shipped KD in plain muslin and may be covered with one of 14 upholstery fabrics, skirted or unskirted, for a custom fit.
Surya Rugs entered the wall decor category in Vegas, offering 50 SKUs of framed, limited-edition prints. President Satya Tiwari said the move is a logical extension of the company's extensive color palette research. He anticipates growing the line to 500 SKUs. Surya also showed 12 rug designs in its new licensed line with "Cabana" Joe O'Brien. The modern tropical colors are available in hand-tufted and carved models. Surya plans a major launch of the collection at the fall High Point Market, with more hand-tufted designs, and groups of indoor-outdoor rugs and flatweaves.
Asian Art Imports exhibited its new Rustic Contemporary furniture, an eco-friendly collection of free-edge tables made from a single piece of recovered tropical hardwood, lamps made from old pieces of recovered woods, and tree-root coffee tables.
African company Kya Designs introduced its winter home decor line, and plans to donate a portion of all sales to the One Campaign's efforts to eradicate poverty. Product debuts in Las Vegas included hand-crafted mohair and ostrich scarves, capes, shawls, throws and hand-blown glass bowls.
Business briefs
Area rug and accessory manufacturer CMI plans to open a permanent showroom at the Las Vegas Market in 2008. The nature-themed design of the new space will be similar to the company's recently redesigned showrooms in Atlanta, High Point and Pawtucket, R.I., and will feature indoor/outdoor braided texture rugs and the Bamboozle bamboo line.
Kathy Ireland Worldwide and Pacific Coast Lighting have renewed their partnership through 2013.
Soft goods manufacturer American Textile Co. has entered into an agreement with Jane Seymour and The Sommerset Group to produce a basic bedding line for Jane Seymour Home, which debuted in early August at the Home Textile Market in New York.
Accessory and case goods importer Four Hands was recognized by the Central Texas Chapter of the Association of Corporate Growth for excellence in sustained growth and financial performance.
Glenda Ray was named chief operating officer of Moe's Home Collection's wholesale division after 12 years at CBK as national sales manager and, later, vice president of marketing. Ray will relocate to Moe's headquarters in Richmond, Calif., and report to Moe Samieian Sr., founder and chief executive officer, once she takes her post in September.
Permanent botanicals survey
Respondents to Home Accents Today's July online survey for retailers who carry permanent botanicals said traditionally styled arrangements are the most popular, but most also carry transitional and contemporary styles.
Better quality and craftsmanship are helping to cast a rosy glow on the segment's outlook, according to a business update by Lane Harvey Brown. Manufacturers of permanent botanicals are reporting solid sales so far this year despite high fuel prices and a slow housing market.
Designer and contract segments remain strong, and large eye-catching centerpieces and foyer arrangements are big sellers. Production delays in China continue to present a challenge for manufacturers.
Congratulations to Las Vegas Market (Part 2)
08/17/2009Las Vegas Market dates pose a challenge
11/17/2008Buyers still seek value
09/14/2009Sphinx to show at two Las Vegas events
01/20/2009
