Function fuels home office furniture sales
New models on tap at High Point Market
Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, October 18, 2010
Parker House's Barcelona library wall unit is shown with a companion writing desk.
AT THE MARKET - As retailers scale back the amount of space on their floors for home office, vendors are adding function and other value-added features to the category to keep it relevant in the marketplace.
Their efforts are having some success here this week based on feedback from dealers on new and existing items, exhibitors say.
Jasper Cabinet says it is having success with imported and domestic home office items that offer plenty of storage, wire management and even space for large TV and computer screens.
Among the good performers this market are its laptop and desktop computer secretaries, which feature drop-lid work surfaces as well as power strips and space to store the laptop when not in use.
Jasper Cabinet's domestic Workroom modular office concept is getting strong interest from dealers who like the custom approach. In addition to multiple finish options, buyers can order pieces with glass or wood doors and can choose from three wood species, 20 finishes and multiple hardware options.
Another popular item is its TV secretary, an import that retails for about $1,899 and has a built-in back panel that holds a 42-inch TV unit. Dealers like the fact that the piece has plenty of door and drawer storage, and also like its adjustable shelves.
Riverside Furniture is seeing strong dealer interest in new L-shaped writing desk and credenza configurations in its Falls Village, Oakton Valley and American Crossroads collections. These feature a 50.5-inch-wide media back panel that can hold a 42-inch TV. The back panel retails for $450, while the three piece L-configuration - including the writing desk, credenza and corner unit - retails around $1,999.
"Dealers like the unique function," said Mike Charlton, senior vice president of product development, noting that pieces such as the credenza and desk can also serve as standalone items. "People can incorporate home entertainment and home office into one area."
Sunny Designs’ Sawhouse desk is a laptop friendly piece that has drawer and shelf storage as well as a companion seat. Made with walnut solids and veneers, both pieces retail at $399.
Dealers also continue to look for smaller scale office pieces that can fit into areas ranging from the bedroom, den, or kitchen areas of the home.
Among the examples at this market is Sunny Designs' Sawhouse, a $399 desk and chair combination that offers pedestal legs with shelf storage and a 60-inch by 30-inch work surface. In addition to the scale of the piece, dealers also are gravitating toward features such as the drop-down center drawer and the lightly distressed cherry finish.
Also doing well are Sunny Designs' 38-inch-wide drop-leaf desks, including the Sedona model made with oak solids and veneers and slate accents.
Dealers like the drop-leaf work surface, behind which is plenty of cubby and drawer storage. The piece and two similar models in different wood species and finishes also offers file drawer storage and door storage for printers.
While smaller scale pieces continue to do well at market, there is also some demand for larger library wall units offered by companies like Aspenhome, Hooker Furniture and Parker House.
Parker House is receiving strong dealer response on four library walls that have companion peninsula/partners' desks, executive desks and writing desks.
Dealers also like the modular aspect of the largely traditional groups, which can be designed to fit a particular room in the home through Parker House's online design tool.
"We are finding a lot of new customers for this," said West Allen, merchandise manager, noting that one of its customers was a large online account, a growing segment of the home office business.
More High Point Market October 2010 Coverage
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Compact, functional home office still selling
May 11, 2012 -
Buyers still in market for smaller scale desks
Apr 24, 2012 -
Home office
Apr 14, 2012 -
Home office
Oct 5, 2009
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