New products add zest to metal beds
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, April 20, 2008
High Point — Metal bed suppliers said they had a strong market in spite of the dual challenge of a slow economy and rising prices in the category.
Instead of buckling under the mounting price pressures — steel tubing prices alone have risen nearly 38% since fall — they offered retailers new product and looks geared to boost the category.
Design leader Wesley Allen had six new beds in various styles and price points. Among the best performers was the Bradford, a $799-retail bed with Mission influences. The model received strong interest and orders thanks to its styling and aged nickel finish.
Also popular was the $1,499 Toscana, an upholstered metal bed modified for the market with an open footboard. Dealers liked the new look, plus the fact that it comes in multiple fabric and leather options.
Amisco did well with two new transitional models, the Mara and the Dana, priced to retail at $599 and $499, respectively. Both come in 10 finishes and are available in three headboard and footboard heights plus platform versions. They ship in six to 10 days from the time of order.
The company also touted the lead-free nature of its powdercoat finishes.
"It could be an issue," said Mark Price, vice president of U.S. sales. "This just eliminates that."
Largo had several new models including the popular Duchess metal daybed, modeled after the number one selling metal bed in the line, the Diana. The $499 retail bed has an antique bronze finish with gold highlights in a traditional design the company said resonated with dealers.
Hooker Furniture displayed two new models, including an updated traditional bed with fleur-de-lis castings and soft gold finish at $899 retail, and a $1,099 transitional model in a silver gold finish with gently curved scrollwork in the headboard and footboard.
Powell had two new models, including the Kawayan, an Asian-influenced bed with a bamboo shaping on the frame, headboard and footboard. The company received positive reaction on three new daybeds.
Fashion Bed Group and Metropolitan Designs reported buyer interest on existing models including some modified from previous markets.
Dealers reported steady traffic during the first three days of market, which surprised many considering the slow economy. As expected, many buyers were concerned about pricing, which has hit the metal beds sector more heavily than most, particularly with raw metal price increases as high as 65% in the last six months and steel tubing up in the 30%-plus range in the same period.
Some metal bed sources said they were limiting price hikes to a portion of their existing line, topping out at about 10%. At one supplier, a typical bed's wholesale price of $250 was raised to $275, which is expected to bump the retail price point from $599 to $699.
Wesley Allen took an average 3.5% price increase across the board Feb. 1 that raised wholesale prices roughly $12-$15 per bed. Amisco took a price increase on some items in January and doesn't plan any further increases this spring.
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