Motion plugs in at Lane ‘power tower'

Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, October 13, 2012

Lane’s new Power Tower provides a power source for up to 14 power reclining chairs, as well as an eyecatching floor display.HIGH POINT - Hoping to boost sales of power mechanisms for motion furniture and recliners, Lane is unveiling a kiosk that makes it easier for retailers to show more power models on their sales floor.
     The company says the three-sided kiosk, dubbed the "power tower," addresses one of the most common obstacles in displaying additional power SKUs - a lack of electrical outlets.
     The tower features power strips that allow 14 items to be plugged in simultaneously, which encourages dealers to display power motion in a gallery-like format. The tower itself requires only a single electrical outlet and is equipped with a 30-foot retractable cord for maximum flexibility.
     "It can work in almost any format where you have a limited number of receptacles," said Bo Morrison, merchandise manager for home theater and recliners. "And it eliminates a lot of the clutter from having numerous wires along the floor."
     The back-lit kiosk allows interchangeable graphics to be displayed on all three sides, and includes trays that hold product literature or a small product cutaway.
     Morrison said the tower was tested recently with a retailer, which reported a 95% jump in power motion and recliners sales over the Labor Day weekend.
     Lane is introducing the tower in conjunction with a big expansion of its power offerings, Morrison said, noting that all of its rocker/recliners and glider/recliners are now available with power mechanisms.
     Dealers placing a qualifying order will receive the tower at no additional charge.