Wood sources sharpen focus
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, March 16, 2008
High Point — At the High Point Market in three weeks, expect to see many case goods companies narrowing their focus to what they do best.
While some are willing to try new things, many consider this a risky strategy in this business environment. Some who have lost business did so because they forgot who their customers are, said one executive.
So at this market, look for new modern and contemporary pieces at Palliser, a mass of casual dining at Ligo, and custom features from domestic producers as they try to counter imports.
Kincaid has closed most of its U.S. plants, but its new American Journal collection takes advantage of its remaining facility to offer 60 pieces in about 240 SKUs.
Based on American designs, the solid-wood groups can look more cottage, traditional or transitional, depending on the finish. All pieces are offered in cherry with a natural finish. Painted options available on most pieces are Linen, Fern, Berry, Taupe and Charcoal.
Stanley Furniture, which still produces about two-thirds of its line in the United States, also offers six finishes for some of its Continuum line, which also transitions depending on the color: light cherry, dark cherry or four lacquers. Case surfaces have dramatic cathedral veneers, while dining chairs, home office desks and one of the five beds in the line all have open fretwork reminiscent of Chippendale designs.
Lane will show a new group in its licensed Country Living magazine line. Inspired by early American craftsmen, the suite has hickory veneers in a mid-tone brown or ebonized finish, porcelain knobs and hammered latches. Accent pieces will be available in Putty Gray or Barn Red finish.
Bernhardt and Universal will offer some groups that fit their norms and others that break from the pattern.
Bernhardt's Casa Bella is a grandly scaled traditional European collection with an Italian flavor. The shaping and molding give it both elegance and a relaxed comfort, said Heather Eidenmiller, director of brand development. The group has pin knotty cherry and walnut burl, turned and cabriole legs and arms on dining chairs, and stone accents available on select pieces.
On the other hand, Bernhardt is trying some distinctive new looks in its licensed Martha Stewart Signature line. North River is a 49-piece collection in two contrasting styles — one relaxed, with dark cherry and painted pieces with a whitewash effect, and the other more contemporary in primavera solids and mahogany veneers.
Universal is adding to its successful dining line called Upscale Small Scale, which offers pieces that are smaller than its formal dining but aren't casual in style. The scale allows the pieces to fit in a breakfast nook, small dining room or a great room, according to Jeff Stone, vice president of merchandising.
Four new solid-wood sets to be added to the Simply Solids line will retail at $999 to $1,099, he said.
Compare that to Universal's new Hill Country, inspired by the rolling terrain and desert landscape of the Texas hill region. The casual, rustic designs have a heavily distressed sand/terracotta finish on alder veneer. Adding to the feel are hand-distressed top-grain leather, hammered metal accents and heavy moldings.
When Casana broke off from Palliser a year-and-a-half ago, the case goods source focused on contemporary designs from casual to urban, said President Roger Friesen. Introductions this spring, he said, "take us further down that path."
One group is an addition to the company's Simply Modern line in American walnut veneer. More consumers want contemporary designs and Casana is in a good position to serve them, Friesen said. As for finishes, chocolate and espresso versions are still hot.
Legacy Classic's best seller is the No. 200 Louis Philippe. Because the style is such a staple of the industry, the company wanted to offer a better version as well.
The answer is the No. 800 series, which has improved every element, said President Lee Boone. The fronts are shaped, the dresser is taller and wider, and drawers have English and French dovetailing with picture frame molding. All the extras come for what Boone said is a modest upcharge of 10%.
Two groups from Vaughan-Bassett show both its new focus and its past. A contemporary group goes after a lifestyle look that appeals to younger consumers, according to Doug Bassett, executive vice president of sales and marketing. It's offered in three finishes, taking advantage of the company's domestic abilities.
Another group is a throwback to the colonial style for which the company was known for years, but which now only accounts for 10% of sales. The new group is an updated version of one that had been in the line for 16 years, so it should have longevity, said Bassett. It comes with three beds, two dresser sizes and two finishes.
SLF plans a pair of firsts this market. It's making its biggest introduction ever, and is using seagrass and wicker for the first time. The company has about 60 SKUs in Artisan, including woven chairs, sofa, ottoman, cocktail table and platform bed. Other pieces include a swiveling lingerie/jewelry chest, a dining set with backless chairs in a Chinese design, and stacking cubes that can have wine storage, shelf or door design.
The company will have nine other new groups (and one it brought out at the Las Vegas Market) including San Marco with Louis Philippe influence in a reduced scale.
"It's stylish furniture for smallish spaces," said Guy Walters, vice president and general manager.
Sister company Pulaski will have seven groups at market in styles such as Tuscan, Victorian, Old English, American rustic and transitional.
| Acknowledgements | ||
| Leather Editor Joan Gunin and Staff Writer Heath E. Combs contributed to this story. | ||
-
Wood sources sharpen focus
Mar 16, 2008
Specialty retailer LoveSac introduces new store design
Kincaid Furniture honors Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter for Habitat work
Belfort Furniture, Lawrance Furniture are NHFA Retailers of Year
Singapore furniture show expecting increased turnout
Omnia Furniture ends relationship with Kathy Ireland Worldwide
Featured Company
-
Wright Labels
Bill and Tom Wright founded Wright of Thomasville in 1961 on the idea that printing was a creative medium and the belief that "a promise made is a promise kept." The Wright brothers focused their attention on providing exceptional printing for the... more
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
