Wood furniture producer Mobel to show at first High Point Market

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 12, 2012

HIGH POINT — After having shown at mostly regional markets over the years, solid wood bedroom and occasional furniture manufacturer Mobel will debut at High Point this October.

The company will show in a 2,700-square-foot showroom in space D-1035 of the International Home Furnishings Center.

Founded in 1971, Mobel makes solid wood furniture in a 200,000-square-foot plant in Ferdinand, Ind. Its pieces are made with solid maple and oak as well as solid linga, a South American species similar to cherry.

Case goods feature mortise and tenon construction, hardwood center drawer glides, wooden drawer bottoms and dustproofed cases, with hardwood framed case interiors and recessed wooden backs. Pieces also have multi-step lacquer finishes, including some custom options available in its Mobel Makeover program.

Mobel has shown at regional markets including Las Vegas, where it showed until a year and a half ago. Mobel also has focused its marketing efforts on direct sales.

"However, today's marketplace is so competitive, we realized we need a presence in High Point," President Ken Lamkin said in a statement. "Retailers make most of their buying decisions based on what they see at markets, so it's important that we keep our products in front of customers."

Four-piece bedrooms in its line range from $2,700 to $3,300 at retail, Lamkin said. This market, it is adding a new clean-lined bedroom group in two finishes and two new table collections - one rustic and one transitional - to its Solutions occasional line.

Lamkin added that by showing in High Point, the company expects to expand its sales with current and new East Coast customers.

"We sell throughout the U.S. and in Canada, but when you look at the numbers, most of our business is being done east of the Mississippi. By being in High Point, we are banking on most of our current customer base coming to market," Lamkin said, adding "We're excited to be coming to High Point after all these years. We expect to have a very good show."