Bevan Funnell revives U.S. push with new line
By Gary James -- Furniture Today, March 15, 2010
HIGH POINT —
Bevan Funnell, a producer of high-end, classic English furniture based in Newhaven, England, is returning to the High Point Market in April as it launches a new U.S. marketing effort.
Bevan Funnell had for the most part exited the U.S. market in late 2006, citing pressures of an unfavorable exchange rate and an unsustainable U.S. cost structure. At one time, the company had operated a warehouse and showroom in High Point staffed by about 10 workers.
“We have continued to sell a few discerning outlets in the United States,” said Stephen Manning, Bevan Funnell's export sales director. “But we're now seeing a resurgence of interest in our product from previous customers as well as new customers. We think the time is right for us to make a push in the U.S. again.”
At the High Point Market, which opens April 17, Bevan Funnell will show its new Buckingham collection of dining room, living room, office and accent furniture at 200 Steele, space 132.
The 200-piece collection is rooted in classic 18th-century English furniture and is made in the United Kingdom. It features 12 veneer combinations, ranging from traditional woods such as walnut, mahogany, rosewood, yew and satinwood to the more contemporary zebrano and sycamore, all with a detailed 12-step, hand-applied finish.
“This new range of product will be a little more up to date but still rooted in classical styling,” said Manning. “The desks can easily be integrated with modern technology, and we're offering some new entertainment pieces for today's larger TVs.”
Founded in 1945, Bevan Funnell “is the crème de la crème of English-made furniture,” according to Manning.
The company initially will target higher-end retailers and designers on the East Coast, its traditional base, as well as in the Midwest, Texas and Canada.
It has established a seven-person team of sales representatives, a mix of Bevan Funnell veterans and new faces.
U.S. warehousing of product will be handled by Ampac Forwarding in High Point.
“We will not have a big facility in the United States the way we did before,” said Manning. “We think we can establish a solid presence in America with our new product range and approach. Retailers benefit from having top-quality pieces such as these in their showrooms as they provide presence — and a good price.”
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