HIGH POINT — When the Red Lion Hotel (once the site of the downtown Radisson) closed in 2020, it put a hole in downtown hotel accommodations for marketgoers who liked being in the center of the action.

Now, a new SpringHill Suites by Marriott is on the way, slated to open in 2025 on the block across from Congdon Yards at 121 Virginia Place/401 West English Road, within walking distance of High Point Market showrooms, Truist Point stadium and its neighboring Stock and Grain food hall.

The hotel’s site, initially purchased by the Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation, was since sold to Benchmade Ventures, which is developing the property and held a ground-breaking ceremony yesterday, according to local news sources.

Benchmade Ventures’ website calls the Congdon Yards district a “high-density urban growth area slated to be High Point’s ‘new downtown’” and notes property values there have grown 400% in the past five years.

According to VisitHighPoint.com, development of the property calls for incorporating the older section of the historic Adam-Millis facility on the site (formerly part of the Paul Robert showroom) as part of the hotel’s lobby and lounge. That will be integrated with the new construction of the 128-unit guestroom tower, according to Fox8 News.

VisitHighPoint.com also notes that Barbour Spangle Design is slated to design the public interior spaces and two larger luxury suites. Barbour Spangle Design is owned by partners Christi Spangle and Christi Barbour, who is the first interior designer to chair the High Point Market Authority board.

See also:

• Manufacturer opening a new year-round showroom in High Point, and it could be a game-changer
• High Point students get leg up from industry in contest to design for local hotel

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HIGH POINT – High-end case goods and upholstery manufacturer Vanguard Furniture unveiled its Splendor case goods collection at the recent High Point Market, featuring bedroom, dining and occasional furniture.

The collection was shown in two distinct ways in the showroom: a light and airy vignette, showcasing the soft finishes and materials, as well as a dark and moody vignette highlighting darker finishes and bolder tones. The darker vignette is contrasted with the natural luminescence of selenite, a crystalline mineral material.

“We created the Splendor collection to showcase the inherent beauty found in natural materials,” said Vanguard President and CEO Andy Bray. “The soft sheen of natural selenite adds a touch of glamour and elegance to a space without feeling overly ‘glam.’”

The line can be styled with lighter finishes or contrasted with deeper, richer finishes such as Mocha and Peppercorn. All pieces in the collection can be customized with finishes from an array of curated wood stains, paints, metallic paints and premium leaf finishes.

“The possibilities are limitless, and we can’t wait to see all the stunning interiors our customers create with Splendor.”

Bray said Vanguard’s time at market was successful, with at least 1,000 people in the company’s showroom Saturday. A good market isn’t judged by sales though, he said; it’s the quality of the interaction that counts.

“We’re here to inspire,” he told Furniture Today. “Markets aren’t as much transactional as they are about spending time with people. We’re lucky if our factory gets two days of production out of it. It’s all about building and strengthening relationships.”

Bray also talked about the strong designer presence.

“Most people we’ve seen are designers,” he said. “But on the luxury side, retailers are more design-driven anyway. Even with our retailers, you know there’s a designer involved somewhere.”

The company also revealed the favorites of its designers. Those included the “M” shaped, fully upholstered Origami chair; the modern Flynn dining table, which features a cast aluminum top and triangle-shaped travertine bases; and the Wright dining chair, which features a narrow, open oak frame and T-shaped silhouette.

See also:

• Vanguard CEO: How did we get here? And where are we headed?
• Vanguard Furniture invests $5.9 million in capacity build

The post Vanguard goes for glamour and elegance with new collection appeared first on Furniture Today.

DALLAS — A curated product vignette that allows retailers to highlight customization options in an approximately 2,000-square-foot space is the idea behind American Leather’s “Shop in Shop,” and the concept — a key strategy of the company’s current brand evolution — was on full display during the recent High Point Market.

Described by the company as a “curated, design-forward retail footprint meant to inspire the customer through a lifestyle vignette,” Shop in Shop showcases the variety of American Leather’s product line in a consistent format. Noting that the flexible size requirements for Shop in Shop allow retailers to create a space that works best within their specific store, company representatives added that each shop features an American Leather design center with a selection of premium leathers and fabrics, as well as customization options for arms, legs and materials.

Although a preview of Shop in Shop debuted earlier this year, this fall’s market marked the full unveiling of the brand evolution and new concept with a 2,000-square-foot example on display in the company’s showroom. Veronica Schnitzius, president of American Leather, said that the reveal allowed retailers to experience Shop in Shop firsthand and that the new in-store focus is just one part of a comprehensive strategy designed to support continued growth heading into 2024.

“Evolution is growth based on experience,” Schnitzius said. “Our ability to reflect upon our own journey has been key to our continued growth striving to balance the sensitivity of design alongside the vigor of innovation that has long been the heartbeat of what American Leather stands for.”

In a previous interview with Furniture Today, Schnitzius and Brian Golden, CEO of Artisant Lane (parent company of American Leather), outlined future strategies for the brand.

“Yes, we are an upholstery resource, but we’re also a lifestyle brand,” Schnitzius said. “We looked at our line and asked ourselves what we needed to complete the room in a home, and we approached product development from that angle. Now, our expanded upholstery line answers that question.”

Golden said that American Leather emerged from the pandemic as a stronger company and that U.S.-based production supported inventory management as demand softened.

“If we look back at 2019, everything has changed,” Golden said. He added that the business strategies implemented by the team during the industry’s pandemic pivot allowed American Leather to start planning for future growth and expansion during a time when many manufacturers were struggling, a move that included Shop in Shop and its product message.

The Shop in Shop concept highlights the focus on “how the brand makes you feel” in contrast to the mechanical innovation showcased in the company’s Innovation Shops and offers a different experience with American Leather products, officials said. Noting that Shop in Shop is highlighting “the human aspect more,” a reference to the 700 employees building the company’s custom products in Dallas, officials said that the concept is about “conveying the mindset — the lifestyle — the whole home.”

“This is so much bigger than a rebrand,” said Ashley Fothergill, creative director. “We are transforming how people see and experience American Leather. Every sofa isn’t just about the sofa; it’s about all of the people behind it, and our new creative direction helps us tell that story and bring the brand to life.”

See also:

• From product development to private equity support, this manufacturer is focused on growth 
• 20 People to Watch: Brian Golden, American Leather

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HIGH POINT – Shoppe Object’s curated installation at High Point Market launched last week, featuring a spirit of brand discovery, artisanal finds and an inviting temporary exhibition space.

Located on the third floor of Historic Market Square, Shoppe High Point presented more than 100 selected brands that were new to High Point Market. The show-within-a-show focused on home décor, accessories and furnishings.

“Our High Point launch was such a natural fit; it felt like one big housewarming party,” said Jesse James, Shoppe Object founder and show director. “I’ve been eyeing the historic, loft-like space we now occupy for years, and I always had this dream that we would one day activate it, filling it with beauty.

“We have found our home in High Point, and I’m looking forward to the April redux as we continue to build awareness of our very special location within this exciting and expansive market.”
The roster of exhibitors included companies such as Connecticut-based Dumais Made (lighting), East Fork Pottery (tabletop) and Cyrc (home decor and accessories).

In keeping with the international representation of Shoppe Object in New York City and representing nearly one-fourth of the show floor, many of the Shoppe High Point exhibiting partners hailed from outside of the U.S. Belgium-based lifestyle brand Serax, made its U.S. market debut showcasing a new Kelly Wearstler tabletop collection. The family-run Kashmiri textile business Me & K debuted its SS24 home assortment of sustainably sourced Kashmir throws. And Sydney’s Mud Australia launched its new line of porcelain pendants and lamps at the show.

The success of this fall’s event signals a continued focus on home brands for Shoppe Object, with 55% of the exhibitors at the August market in New York showing in the home categories. Several of the New York exhibitors exhibited in October’s High Point installation: MQuan Studio (ceramics), Saved New York (home textiles), Sir/Madam (home décor) and Michael Wainwright USA (tabletop).

Shoppe Object will return to Historic Market Square in April 2024 with both returning and new-to-market exhibitors, as well as a number of new activations and events.

The next Shoppe Object is set for Feb. 4-6, 2024, in New York City, with an expanded show floor across two neighboring venues: Pier 36 and Skylight at Essex Crossing on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The show is open each day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration is open on the Shoppe Object’s website.

See also:

• Andmore brings Shoppe Object to High Point this fall
• IMC to acquire Shoppe Object

The post Shoppe Object brings more than 100 new brands to High Point in inaugural event appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT — Many of us were at the recent High Point Market, taking in the numerous introductions across the show. And we wondered, what did designers see at market that inspired them? Here’s what a few of them said:

Jeanne Chung, Cozy•Stylish•Chic, Pasadena, Calif.: “There were several things but I’ll just touch upon two: 1) Furniture and lighting as sculpture. For example, Thayer Coggin‘s Nest chair, designed by Rick Lee, is surprisingly comfortable and was designed to be viewed from all angles. Hubbardton Forge‘s Brindille Ring Lamp is not your typical floor or table lamp, but is a combination of the two, with an unusual sculptural edge. It can be placed on a console against a wall, in front of a fireplace or I like the idea of placing it on a sofa console so that it can float in the middle of the room. Like the Nest chair, it was designed to be appreciated from all angles, and not just the front.

2) Customization and collaborations. I love the collaboration between Thibaut and Dunes and Duchess. Everything under the sun has been done time and time again, so when I saw Thibaut’s most recent fabric introduction made into a tabletop with a lacquered base, I thought what better way to customize a home?! With everything being found online these days, a carefully selected print with a coordinating lacquer is an easy way to personalize a home… and it also supports the importance of hiring a designer. Designers have resources and relationships that allow them to create unique spaces with product that aren’t easily accessible to the end consumer.”

Christopher Grubb, Arch-Interiors Design Group, Beverly Hills, Calif: “The first thing I saw was bronze, which is picking up as a finish. Wildwood Lamps, for example, had a lot of bronze. They’re moving on from satin brass and black — the bronze felt new. I’m also seeing more color, such as Shayla Copas’ new line with Ambella Home and Dann Foley’s line with Stylecraft (which included a pink sofa). Overall a lot of things are still beige but we’re seeing more color come in. It’s nice to see customers take a risk with color — it’s a sign that people are tired of beige. Another theme that stood out for me was the number of tall table lamps at market. There were probably not for using on the table next to the sofa, as you’d see the bulb if you looked up, but perhaps for the front entry table.”

Monika Nessbach, Designbar, Charlotte, N.C.: “This fall’s market was truly a vibe; a blend of innovation, creativity and trendsetting designs. One striking trend that caught my attention was the emphasis on sustainable and eco-conscious designs, reflecting a growing awareness within the industry. Additionally, I was deeply impressed by the ingenious use of materials, with a focus on natural elements and textures that added a touch of warmth and authenticity to the collections. Burlwood mixed with white-wash and dark grayish stains was definitely having a comeback moment.

And as I had already seen at Salone this spring, curvature and asymmetry is ruling the design world right now.  This market also witnessed an interesting resurgence of vintage aesthetics, with modern twists that brought back a sense of nostalgia coupled with contemporary feel. Overall, the atmosphere was full of positive energy. I also really loved the collaboration and exchange of ideas among designers and manufacturers.”

Erin Coren, Curated Nest, Greenwich, Conn.: “We loved Bramble at market. Their customization options were endless and the lead times were more than reasonable. The variation in the style types throughout their showroom was plentiful and allowed us to place items for multiple clients and a variation of styles.”

Emily Ruff, Cohesively Curated Interiors, Seattle: “Two of the trends I noticed at market is the use of travertine and scalloped details. I love the amount of travertine we are seeing used for tables and accessories. It is a warm neutral material that has great texture without feeling busy with tons of veining like other natural stones. This market I noticed lots of scalloped edges on furniture and lighting. Visual Comfort has a new alabaster chandelier that has scalloped edges on the alabaster and the ceiling plate is scalloped as well, it was one of my favorite finds this market.”

DuVäl Reynolds, DuVäl Design LLC, Fairfax, Va.: “This year’s market event showcased various innovative approaches to the traditional coffee table. Showrooms presented novel ideas such as grouping tables of varying heights together and combining ottoman seating with tables, providing refreshing perspectives on a space that is often overlooked.”

David Santiago, Casa Santi, New York: “1. Industry: What I loved a about this particular market was the acknowledgements of our industry celebrating inductees at the Hall of Fame Foundation Induction Celebration and the Award recipients of Pinnacle Awards highlighting the stars of today and the bright future of home furnishings.

2. Community: The attendance of the interior design community has a broader impact on the culture of design, business practices and the buying process during markets. This market for me was a stand out particularly by the faces — and first timers as well — I saw while walking through out the market.

3. Sources and trends: What I noticed mostly during this market were the shapes and movement in design that has take place. More curves and conversations happening between furnishings in the showrooms. They were well curated as well with fabrics, wallcoverings, lighting and accents, the story was transparent. I was thrilled to be at market and, most importantly, inspired!”

Williams Martinez, Casa Martinez, Staten Island, N.Y., and Palm Beach, Fla.: “Loved discovering Mr. Brown London – their line resonates with my style so much. Their fabulous shapes, textures and materials make each piece look sculptural, bold and very elegant. So happy to include them on my list of vendors to use on my projects!”

Barry Goralnick, New York: “The thing that struck me most at this market was the increasing number of manufacturers who are committed to a healthier planet and its human resources. Carpets, lighting, furniture, fabrics are all being made by artisans in places like Africa, India and Asia, not only using best practices for the environment, but employing workers and boosting the local economies. The design trend toward natural materials and the recognition of various ethnic aesthetics were also prominent at this market. As a conscientious designer, I am likely to make these places among my first ‘go-tos.’”

Katharine Kelly Rhudy, Reed & Acanthus, New Orleans, La.: “Although I love almost everything this Mexican based furniture maker produces, the Tourmont cabinet on stand and buffet from Alfonso Marina’s new collection was a real standout. They are pros at mixing materials like wood, metals, caning, inlay, etc. for truly unique and high-end pieces. But the Tourmont series, inspired by natural and irregular patterns found in mountainous rock, is perfect for those looking to incorporate an elegant, transitional piece in either modern or traditional furniture collection.”

Juliana Ewer, J Squared Home Designs, Houston: “I had two collections, both at Hooker Furniture that I thought were really cool from a design standpoint. One of my favorite collections was the expansion of the Hooker Furniture’s pink Susan G Komen Foundation collection. The blush and pink accent pieces not only bring awareness to the cause, but also contribute financially per item sold. As the daughter and niece of breast cancer survivors, it’s really spectacular to see support from the furniture industry!

I was also blown away by Bobo Intriguing Objects at Hooker. This recent acquisition for Hooker allows designers a ‘one-stop shop’ for unique, interesting accessories. Hooker offers access to custom furniture, case goods and now accessories. This is really something different and it is a fun collection.”

Andrea Small, The Adored Nest, Ashburn, Va.: “Market was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of the textural art throughout many of the showrooms. These textural elements really made the spaces feel warm and interactive and drew me in!”

Marisa Wilson, Marisa Wilson Interiors, Charlotte, N.C.: “This market I was inspired by the emphasis on unique objects – from antiques to artisans. Whether the Vintage Vibes event showcasing all the incredible vintage and antique showrooms at market or exploring COHAB or the Shoppe Object installation at Market Square, there was no shortage of extraordinary finds.”

Noel Gatts, Beam&Bloom Interiors, Bloomfield, N.J.: “I adored the recently acquired Bobo Intriguing Objects collection at Hooker Furniture! Such a strong point of view with the found pieces from all over the world being reimagined and repurposed. There was a strong vintage circus vibe … very cool. The mix of antique and modern was masterfully done. It was one of the most unique and specific collections that I’ve experienced in a long time. I was happy to see so many vendors and makers  leaning into sustainable products and fair trade practices. Rowe has a line of sustainable fabrics that I’ve been drawn to, and there are a multitude of other options including hand blocked textiles by Indian designer Mamta Fomra dyed with entirely organic materials. It’s also refreshing to see so many collections embracing the global perspective. We’ve traditionally been Eurocentric in American design, and the more we experience other cultural perspectives the richer we are as a creative community. Ngala Trading is a favorite suite that I visit to gather inspiration from far reaches.”

Malka Helft, Think Chic Interiors, Westchester, N.Y.: “It’s interesting to note that most trends were not entirely new, but rather a deeper exploration of existing themes. The overall theme seemed to center around nature and natural materials both in their raw and refined forms. Rattan and wicker were still prominent, appearing in light fixtures, mirrors, trays, bowls and furniture. Burl wood was also popular and could be found in stools, console tables, beds and more. Stone surfaces were everywhere, appearing in dining and cocktail tables, accent tables, bowls and lighting bases.

Some newer trends seen at the market included genuine leather replacing shagreen as accents on cabinet fronts, tables, accessories and upholstery. There was also a focus on rounded cornered furniture and scalloped furniture and accessories and channeled furniture, which paired well with the fluted furniture trend and was not just limited to beds, but also looked great on sofas, accent chairs and dining chairs.”

Jill Erwin, Jill Erwin Interiors: “Wow! Fall HPMKT 23 was exploding with sensual silhouettes and colorful details. From sustainable trim to playful balls, I think the aftershocks of COVID are bringing flirtatious whimsy back into the air. I spotted this emerging trend a few markets back, but it has really come to the forefront in home fashions. Not to be crass, but in every showroom, I would see sultry rounded furniture, adorned with leather straps and the return of evocative art. I even caught a spinning disco ball in one of my favorite’s, Wesley Hall. As they say, ‘The devil’s in the details’ and it looks like he’s GREEN with envy, since luscious shades were popping up in every designer showroom. So, if sex sells, this will surely stimulate a growing buyer’s market.”

See also:

• One High Point Market trend you’ll miss if you look too closely | Bill McLoughlin
• High Point University students take advantage of on-the-market experiences

The post What did they like at High Point Market? Designers share their favorites appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT — It was a big fall market for case goods suppliers, many of which expanded into new categories and others that introduced the largest number of new items ever. Quite a few suppliers entered new categories as interest turns toward becoming a whole home supplier.

Magnussen Home made its big upholstery debut, as did domestic manufacturer Copeland Furniture. Entertainment and office furniture specialist Martin Furniture got into dining, while Vaughan-Bassett made its return to the same category after a three-year absence.

Other companies, such as Bernards, AICO, Sherrill and Universal, unveiled some of their biggest product introductions ever.

Mid-to-lower-priced whole home supplier Bernards, for example, unveiled the 70-piece whole home Assemblage, one of the biggest launches it has offered. The line has more of a designer feel, according to President Micah Swick, with modern looks, earth tones and soft curves. The set includes three beds retailing at $699 and three dining tables starting under $500.

“Providing exceptional value is key and continues to be our focus,” said Swick. “Our strategy is to increase share of wallet and offer a better representation to our buyers.”

He said a customer’s buying experience is key to the sale. “Consumers want to be submerged in an experience,” Swick said. “That means setting up product in an environment they can get their arms around. That means curated vignettes. We want to show furniture in actual room settings, and we want retailers to show our furniture that way, too.”

New products will continue to be a chief focus for the company going forward, as about 85% of the company’s showroom this fall featured new products. “Retailers have been living with old products for a long time. They want new.”

Despite calling this market one of Bernards’ best ever, Swick acknowledged that business is down. Still, he’s optimistic.

“Imports going down isn’t a good indicator of business health,” he said. “Ocean rates went up in August after all, and the industry’s third quarter earnings reports were better than expected. I don’t believe consumer confidence is low. People will still spend if we give them a reason to.”

High-end supplier AICO had its largest production ever, according to President David Koehler, with 25 new collections. New items are evenly spread across the company’s categories.

“Business is tough, but in terms of customer reaction, this has been a ‘super’ market,” Koehler said. “One way we judge a market is if we can get that reaction. We hit it big this time.”

Like Bernards, Koehler said demand for new products from retailers is the highest it’s been in some time.

Companies “didn’t come up with new items over the pandemic really,” he said. “The appetite is now high. Inventory positions are stronger than they were a year ago. Our plan is to be very aggressive on new products and to acquire more market share. Next April, you can expect another big introduction.”

Notable was AICO’s new upholstered bed program, which allows buyers to customize with materials and finishes. Beds start retailing at $699 and ship direct container only.

Expanding retail reach

Vermont-based manufacturer Copeland Furniture’s big focus was its new Sierra collection, which includes upholstery — a new category for the company — and matching occasional furniture.

“We have some retail buyers that are specialists in woodworking but have lacked in the living room category,” said Ben Copeland, director of sales and marketing. “We saw an opportunity to be a resource for them.”

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed our skillset in our upholstered elements. First, we did headboard panels and then upholstered dining seats. We’ve gained more experience over time.”

Reflecting the market and business in general, Copeland said, “In terms of scans, this is the best market we’ve had since COVID. Overall, we’ll finish 2023 flat or down a couple points from last year. The past eight weeks have seen an improvement, probably thanks to Labor Day. We expect to have an even better Black Friday.”

High-end manufacturer Stickley Furniture didn’t go with a big launch but instead opted to fill in the gaps of its existing lines.

“Last time we came with a whole group,” said Aminy Audi, Stickley CEO. “This time we decided to strengthen our existing lines. We looked at every line and asked ‘do we want to add something to fill in a gap?’”

The biggest add-on was to Walnut Grove, the company’s mid-century modern and Scandinavian-influenced case goods and upholstery line. Additions include a new high-backed dining chair, a small server and a 52-inch bedroom chest. New upholstery items include an 82-inch tufted-back sofa, a sectional and a coordinating slipper chair.

Besides Walnut Grove, the company also expanded its Mission line, which Audi said continues to be its top seller. Five new pieces also were added to Little Treasures, a collection of smaller, historically themed items.

Also notable for Stickley was its new express shipping program, in which select items ship in either 30 or 60 days.

“It’s no risk to us to stock items we know will sell,” said Beth Chang, director of marketing. “We’re just rolling it out now, but it has been popular so far. Selling something is certainly easier if we can get it to someone in 30 days.”

See also:

• Case (goods) in point: Vendors make the bed and set the table
• Occasionally speaking: From accent pieces to consoles, wall units and more

The post Case goods suppliers push hard into new product, new categories appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT — The October High Point Market might be accurately labeled as the “ESP” Fall Market, referencing “early, strategic and product” as key focuses for buyers attending.

Beginning as early as the Monday before opening day for some showrooms and lasting until the final hours on Wednesday 10 days later, this market saw buyers coming early and with a defined strategy in place for the products needed to energize their inventories.

“We began seeing customers as early as Tuesday at our 220 Elm showroom, which includes our Pulaski, Samuel Lawrence, PRI and Drew & Jonathan Home brands,” said Jeremy Hoff, CEO of Hooker Furnishings. “Monday (mid-market) was our busiest day. In fact, it marked a historical attendance record for us.”

According to Hoff, buyers were “very strategic” at this market, many with specific categories, price points and styles that they wanted to add to their floors to fill voids. Hooker’s launch of the Bobo Intriguing Objects brand was “very successful,” Hoff said, adding that the Hooker team also saw increased momentum at Pulaski, Samuel Lawrence and PRI, a positive development that supports the company’s current strategy.

“Heading into Q4 and Q1 of 2024, we may see a continuation of the challenging retail environment,” he said. “As we ride this out, we will continue to stay focused on product and innovation across all of our brands, while building on existing and nurturing new customer relationships.”

The Friday before opening day was the busiest at Norwalk Furniture, and President Caroline Hipple said that the Rajasthan-inspired front window vignette brought buyers in, while the behind-the-scenes initiatives helped seal the deal with new and existing customers.

“We do our research when we are deciding on what to represent in our showroom, and we allow 10% of our new product to be ‘risky,’ as in outside of the box,” Hipple said. “We created this India-meets-England look, and it offers that travel-inspired feel as well as ‘comfortable perfection.’

“But along with those distinctive designs, we have spent a lot of time on our catalog and concentrated on creating the right tools that allow our buyers to work efficiently with Norwalk Furniture, the tools that help them run a successful business.”

In the Palliser showroom, the company’s introductions and emphasis on its studio program were center stage, underscoring what the Palliser team believes to be two “huge opportunities” moving forward.

“The Baby Boomers are buying life stage products, and many Millennials are still moving toward the purchase of their first home,” said William Doherty III, senior vice president of product design and visual merchandising. “We have added more product and elevated the brand to address those needs, and we expect to have installed our studio program in 100 retail locations by year’s end.”

Palliser’s studio program allows retailers to show numerous configurations of stationary and motion upholstery groups in an efficient footprint, increasing the retailer’s dollar-per-square-foot return. And with collections such as Myles — the three-SKU group designed to offer more affordable upholstery options to younger buyers — the company is looking toward future growth.

“From COVID to a tricky economy, many buyers are still trying to figure things out,” Doherty said. “With our programs and product mix, we’re starting to attract new customers that have never bought Palliser before while also continuing to serve our legacy customers. Our goal is for our retailers to always have a reason to come see us, and the strategy is paying off.”

Luxury upholstery buyers came early and ready to buy at Thayer Coggin, a showroom a few miles from the heart of High Point Market. For this market, Thayer Coggin invited three of the company’s designers — Stanley J. Friedman, Ransom Culler, and Rick Lee — to create their “dream” upholstery, and the one-of-a-kind results were showcased alongside a Milo Baughman original in a dramatic front window display that prompted interest and orders.

“We started seeing customers (before market) on Wednesday afternoon, from all across the country,” said Phil Miller, vice president of sales. “We have opened several new key accounts, and many of the customers that have dabbled in modern design say they are ready to do more.”

With retail prices that surpass $30,000 for a three-piece sectional, Thayer Coggin’s high-end upholstery is shown on retail floors that cater to high-income customers, a demographic less impacted by the current economic uncertainties. The ability to spend is coupled with an appreciation for quality home furnishings, Miller said, a key factor in the company’s market success.

“Our furniture is for the customer that appreciates original design and heirloom quality,” he explained. “It is an investment, not a purchase.”

See also:

• Sitting pretty – upholstery offerings found at market
• Are you movin’ and groovin’ at Market? Check out these motion upholstery wares

The post Early traffic, strategic buying define the upholstery stories appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT — Bedding manufacturers showing at the just-wrapped fall market came armed with products to help retailers pull consumers into their stores.

As one of the more recession-proof categories in the home furnishings industry, mattresses tend to be traffic drivers for retailers keeping consumers coming through store doors. With retail remaining soft, dealers are eager to boost traffic, and mattress makers were in High Point with products to help.

From higher-end goods to beds designed with sharp pricing for promotions, High Point’s bedding scene offered options to help retailers weather the economic ebb and flow of business. Bedding manufacturers acknowledged that the bedding segment has returned to its traditional seasonal, promotion-driven cycle with bumps in business occurring around the holidays when mattresses are typically hyped.

Shifman Mattress Co.’s six-model Quilted collection with pricing beginning at $1,599 and spanning up to $2,999 in queen. Known for its luxury lineup, Shifman’s Quilted collection gives retailers the ability to sell consumers a handmade, two-sided Shifman bed crafted with natural cotton and other upscale materials at an attainable price point.

“We do have affordable price points,” said Bill Hammer, president, adding that the collection makes the brand accessible to more consumers. “We’re giving the customer the best value at attainable price point with all of the quality Shifman is known for.”

For Mlily USA, the market was all about pitching value, said Glenn Kobylarczyk, executive vice president. Highlighting the hybrid Onyx collection with its under $1,000 story with the three-model collection with 12-, 13-, and 14-inch profiles, the company offered retailers a luxury look in aggressive price points that also can deliver on a healthy margin, he said.

“We’ve not seen one retailer that hasn’t said business is down and soft,” Kobylarczyk said. “They need product that will help bring customers through the door, and Onyx has delivered that.”

In the Ashley showroom, Brad Rogers, senior vice president of bedding for the company, said dealers were on the prowl for “values. They have been looking to replace slots with value product,” and Ashley was ready across a myriad of price points.

Rogers said the company’s $1,299 to $1,799 family of mattresses were a strong value, while lower priced goods ranging from $799 to $399 were targeting the promotional consumer. In addition to its new mattress lineup, the company also introduced a broad selection of sleep accessories to help retailers boost tickets.

Paramount Sleep Co. addressed a number of segments at the market with an expanded Back Performance line featuring MX advanced memory foam priced to retail between $1,399 and $1,999; finessed its three-bed luxury Legacy collection targeting $5,000 to $10,000 market; refined its Joma Wool Kiwi collection priced to retail from $1,999 to $2,999; and unveiled the new four-model Hypnos Cotton collection with cotton sourced from Virginia.

Richard Fleck, Paramount president, said retailer reaction to the products was strong during market.

“We’ve seen majors, designers and independent retailers,” he said, adding that the category is facing a lot of issues in the upcoming year, including the Tempur Sealy acquisition of Mattress Firm. “Everyone is looking to see what the landscape will look like in 2024 and beyond. Retailers are looking to maximize customer acquisition. It’s important to figure out your niche and stay in it to succeed.”

See also:

• Artaban, Elements International highlight strategic bedding partnership in High Point
• Bedding Industries of America expands Wellness collection at High Point Market

The post Bedding vendors armed with product to pull in customers appeared first on Furniture Today.

Now that the semi-annual High Point furniture market has come to a close and I’ve been able to sort through my notebook – which is filled to the brim with scribbled and hard-to-decipher notes – I wanted to point out a few trends and general themes I noticed.

Big new product intros

Suppliers are being aggressive with new product introductions in hopes that at least something will catch the eye of a retailer looking to round out their floor. Several debuted their biggest intros yet, while others brought out collections encompassing every category they offer.

Universal Furniture, for example, broadened its Modern collection with its largest expansion ever, adding 198 SKUs this market. New items cover upholstery and case goods, and include mirrors, bar cabinets, occasional chairs, dining sets, stools and more.

High-end supplier AICO was another to have its largest introduction ever, unveiling around 25 new collections, again spanning all of its categories. Other companies to have major debuts were Bernards Furniture, Sherill Furniture, Martin Furniture, Magnussen and Legacy Classic.

“Updated traditional” is a strong style trend

Traditional looks, particularly in case goods, are strong, continuing the trend seen last April. Suppliers are really ramping up their focus on the style, with many offering “updated” takes. One example is the new Revival collection from A.R.T., which honors the company’s 20th year of business.

“This is a collection that targets Grand Millennials,” said Doug Rozenboom, president of A.R.T., referencing a Millennial consumer who’s inspired by traditional design and seeks to blend vintage looks with modern touches.

Features of the line, which encompasses case pieces and upholstery, include swirl mahogany veneers and wood-backed dining chairs with tufted upholstered fronts and bead work. The company’s sister brand, Jonathan Charles, also focused on updated traditional with extremely decorative items “meant to evoke class and elegance.”

Other companies to push this style were Universal Furniture, Legacy Classic and Hooker Furniture. Hooker’s two new collections, Americana and Bella Donna, blend “classic aesthetics with today’s functionality to create two looks that will resonate with a broad spectrum of our customers,” said Mike Harris, president of case goods and upholstery.

New categories

This is a continuation of the big new product introduction trend talked about earlier, but still worthy of being pointed out. Case goods suppliers are expanding into new categories to both gain new customers and to strengthen business with existing buyers. Many have strong relationships with specific buyers, and those buyers have expressed interest in purchasing a wider range of product if a supplier were to offer it.

Domestic case good manufacturer Copeland Furniture made its debut into upholstery with the new Sierra collection. Magnussen also got into upholstery, unveiling 100 new SKUs in the category covering leather motion, fabric motion and fabric stationary. And Martin Furniture, a specialist in entertainment and home office furniture, entered the dining category with 15 collections.

Others to venture into new categories included Legacy Classic, which got into motion upholstery with 12 new sets; Artistica, which got into upholstery with six new sofas and chairs; and Vaughan-Bassett, which re-entered the dining category after a three-year absence.

Most handled STURDY the same way

At last spring’s market, suppliers were grappling with the challenges and uncertainty of meeting the STURDY Act. This fall, with the rule already in place, the challenges are largely over. But I wanted to know how these challenges were met.

Nearly every supplier I talked to reported meeting the standard in at least one of the following ways: adding weight to the back of a case piece, increasing the back panel’s thickness, and using ¾ extension drawer slides.

Last market, when I asked people what they were considering doing to meet the standard, many said the answer could lie in interlocking mechanisms that prevent more than one drawer from opening at a time. Last week, however, almost everyone I talked to opted not to go that route. One supplier said it was too risky, saying it could jeopardize the lifetime warranty it offers.

The majority of suppliers I talked to said they did not raise prices, instead opting to eat the costs themselves, which were minimal for some and painful for others. One prominent supplier, that wished to remain off the record, said retailers simply would not accept a price increase at this time. A few others echoed this sentiment.

Quick-ship and mixability are selling points

Quite a few suppliers are investing in programs to get product to retailers more quickly. High-end domestic manufacturer Stickley Furniture was one, unveiling its new express shipping program in which select items ship in either 30 or 60 days.

Legends Furniture was another, with a chief focus on expanding its Mixology program, which allows buyers to mix and match from all of the company’s categories out of its Vietnam warehouse. There are no minimums per item, and Legends handles all the logistics.

Domestic manufacturer Fusion Designs was another to put its focus here, adding two new dining lines to its quick-ship Essentials program. Under Essentials, buyers can get solid maple dining furniture in 10 days from time of order.

Did I miss anything noteworthy? If you were at the High Point Market, let me know what you saw. Email me at rdalheim@furnituretoday.com.

See also:

• Go big with new product now, pull back later, says this case goods manufacturer
• Tip-over talk dominates case goods arena, but optimism still shines through

The post 5 takeaways from my trip to furniture market last week | Bobby Dalheim appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT – Indiana-based case goods manufacturer Fusion Designs ramped up its quick-ship Essentials program for High Point Market, as well as adding a new panel bed in white oak.

Two new dining groups and one standalone buffet were added to Essentials, which includes pre-built dining items that ship out in 10 days. All items are in maple, and retailers can select from one of 35 finishes. The company also offers Essentials Plus, a lower-cost, higher-volume version of the same program.

“Our retailers still want things fast, and Essentials is great for buyers who want American-made solid wood furniture for customers who might have felt priced out of the category,” said Marcus Bontrager, company president.

Harmony, one of the new dining sets, is crafted in brown maple. It features a clean-lined trestle table with a Mission shaped top and an under-bevel edge, that can be expanded magnetically for entertaining with up to four, 12-inch, self-storing leaves. A table, bench, buffet and chairs are offered, with a table and four retailing for about $4,000.

A new buffet was also added to Harmony, serving as a stand-alone cabinet in solid maple. Its targeted demographic is younger consumers who may be short on space.

“This program has been a great way for us to reach younger consumers who yearn for good-looking, quality furniture that will actually last,” said Bontrager. “We know that many are urban dwellers who live in smaller spaces, and that means they need smart, multifunctional pieces, especially for entertaining.

While this market specifically didn’t represent a massive new product launch for the company, Bontrager said the company has introduced around triple the amount of product it usually does for the year as a whole.

“There’s really been little innovation over the past few years,” he said. “That’s why in 2023 we’ve been pumping out styles. Anything to grab attention. But we will eventually scale down. Our plan is to finish the year big and then pull back.”

Sales are down around 20% for the company since mid-2022, Bontrager said.

“I’m not sure when things are going to pick up,” he said. “I’m expecting the next six months to be slower and we’re really going to have to put our heads down.”

See also:

• The big new look for 2024? White oak, says this furniture executive
• Fusion Designs takes aim at cheaper imports, unveils high-volume program

The post Go big with new product now, pull back later, says this case goods manufacturer appeared first on Furniture Today.