Style, function draw interest in occasional
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, April 20, 2008
High Point — Occasional vendors came into market with some concern about business conditions and how that could affect traffic and sales.
While many noticed a drop in traffic by the end of the show, they were pleased with the level of interest and order writing activity in the category.
To their credit, they offered plenty of new SKUs with style and functional features that landed business from key accounts.
Function was a big story at Magnussen Home, which had some 22 occasional groups this market. These included three styles of lift-top/storage cocktail tables in its Roommates program. Priced at $699 retail, these tables had function ranging from drawers with storage dividers to side drawer file storage space.
Dealers also responded well to Gaston, a transitional table group from Magnussen in a cherry finish.
Function also was a key element in new table groups at Hammary. Among the best performers was a new chairside table in the Urban Flair case goods collection with a docking station and storage compartments for electronic devices.
"The whole collection has done really well," said Randy Huff, vice president of merchandising and national accounts. "People are looking for different things that can create excitement for consumers when they come into their store."
Function also was a big draw at Flexsteel, whose casual transitional Bossa Nova collection got looks and orders.
Two cocktails in the group have lift-top function, a feature more dealers have been requesting, said Chip Piekenbrock, director of marketing. Retailers also like the company's mixed media approach on the seven-piece Hathaway Arts and Crafts-inspired table group, he said.
Klaussner launched its first home entertainment furniture, showing seven groups with matching occasional tables. Dealers are responding with strong orders, said product manager Chris Rayle.
Dealers liked the multiple configuration format that includes speaker stands with reversible speaker screen/wood panels, and console and hutch or console-only set ups. Other functional aspects of the home entertainment pieces are CD and DVD trays, wire management and back panels that allow flat-panel TV mounting.
Broyhill received strong reaction on Cowry Cove, a transitional/tropical occasional group with lift-tops that have fabric cushions on one side and wood on the other. The $329 cocktails also have door storage space. A sofa table in the same group got attention thanks to its dual use as a media console. The company also had strong reaction to new occasional pieces in its Summertime and Zander case goods collections.
Bassett Furniture said it did well with its relaxed casual Covington collection, in a variety of looks and colors.
An $899 lift-top storage cocktail in a dark brown finish has reeded edges and turned legs, while a sofa table in the same group has barley twist shaped legs and drawer storage.
Lexington said its updated traditional Hancock Park drew praise from retailers for the refined looks of occasional pieces, which feature scalloped edges, metal bases and antiqued mirror and marble tops, the latter of which are on drum end tables and round accent tables.
Bernhardt also showed new standalone cocktails tables with updated traditional elements. Dealers liked the designs, plus the way Bernhardt showed the pieces with leather and leather and fabric upholstery, officials said.
Colorful hand-painted finishes continued to generate accent and occasional sales at vendors such as Ultimate Accents, A.A. Importing, Hooker Furniture and CR-Home's Peters-Revington occasional line.
One of the more popular pieces at CR-Home was the Asian-inspired Tiburon, a 13-piece collection in deep red and chocolate cherry finishes.
Red was a standout color in a new $349 wall mirror at Ultimate Accents. The same mirror comes in a white lacquer finish, giving an otherwise traditional frame a contemporary look. Ray Steele, vice president of sales, said traffic exceeded expectations this market.
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