Upholstery sources preview new colors, looks
By Joan Gunin and Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, September 21, 2008
HIGH POINT — Premarket was quiet last week in several upholstery showrooms as exhibitors primped, fussed and showed new colors, new covers or new frames.
In some cases, the products here were reintroductions of items seen this summer at the Las Vegas Market — a flip-flop of sorts from the practice of taking High Point intros to the next Vegas show.
Catnapper, for instance, reintroduced the Jackpot reclining sofa, part of the motorized Pow'r Lounger series unveiled in Las Vegas. It is part of Catnapper's Comfort Center featuring individualized button-touch operation. The expanded assortment is offered in padded suede, chenille, top- grain leather and faux leather covers.
“Some people only do one show so we have to show it in both places,” said Don Hunter, senior vice president of major accounts for Catnapper.
At PeopLoungers, Larry Crink, executive vice president of sales and marketing, previewed sketches of six motion frames. Bonded leather was highlighted as well as fabric, faux skin and padded suede covers. Starting retail price points are $599 in fabric, he said, with motorized entries available at a slight upcharge.
Bradington-Young unveiled its 600 series, a collection of generously proportioned imported frames dressed in leather or leather/match combinations and geared to hit sharp pricing. New frames included reclining sofas and sectionals with flip-down center consoles.
Two new home theater import groups include a three-seater option with power-activation priced at $2,999 retail — approximately half the cost of a domestically built version, said National Sales Manager David Hicks.
In U.S.-made product, Bradington-Young is stepping up to higher grades of leather with “cleaner lines, lighter colors (almond, toast, ivory) and deeper, lower seating with improved comfort,” Hicks said. “We have had good reaction so far because the comfort speaks for itself.”
On the stationary side, Broyhill has expanded its Custom Color leathers program with its 10th frame, Brenton, which followed three earlier introductions in Las Vegas. All frames in the program offer a choice of 50 leathers in a broad color palette. The line retails at $1,499 to $1,899.
Leather seating supplier Soflex used premarket as a forum to continue to build its container business.
“By offering five groups on a container, we are driving home to the retailer that we are a container resource,” said President and CEO Tom Schmidt. “We can mix frames and colors with short lead times.”
Leather Italia USA, Natuzzi Americas and W. Schillig were among other showrooms previewing leather upholstery.
In fabric showrooms, some manufacturers were still leaning toward transitional or contemporary looks while others offered new looks in hopes of attracting more urban and fashion-oriented customers.
Bernhardt said its new Bernhardt Interiors collection represents a turn from its contemporary direction of the past few markets.
“It's a fresh traditional appealing to the younger customer who's hip but with traditional roots,” said John Pullen, vice president and general manager.
The collection, which includes nine groups, has more of a cool classic look, with transitional frames and track arms outnumbering camelbacks and rolled arms. Sofas will retail from $1,399 to $1,799 and will be available for three-week delivery.
Rowe is taking its look global, according to President Stefanie Lucas, mixing influences from Scandinavia and Africa.
The company's more traditional Clayton Marcus division will boost a number of menswear covers.
Highland House is expanding its French offerings with a new 60-piece collection in partnership with country French catalog company and retailer Pierre Deux. About half of the collection will be upholstery, with 25 exclusive Pierre Deux fabrics available.
Upholstery sources preview new colors, looks
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