ANAHEIM, Calif. — Direct-to-consumer home furnishings brand Castlery is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the launch of a limited-edition collection themed “Timeless Design, Boldly Elevated.”

The new collection includes 16 products, reimagined from Castlery’s best sellers, and it consists of less than 100 pieces per item.

The 10th anniversary collection revisits the brand’s iconic pieces and gives them a makeover with the use of premium materials such as Toronto marble, burl wood and premium woven yarn.

“We are incredibly proud of this milestone and how far we’ve come as a brand,” said co-founder Declan Ee. “To mark our 10th year, we’ve taken the opportunity to explore the use of distinctive, luxurious materials with our signature designs, to elevate and curate a cool and collectible series that’s out of the ordinary.”

Among the products in the launch are:

• The Marlow sofa collection — available in three modules: armless two-seater sofa, wedge sofa and armless sofa — is a channel-tufted sofa in Chair Revival fabric and sitting on honey oak wooden legs. Ranging from $3,679-5,349, depending on configuration.
• Occasional tables including the Cupid coffee table, $999, and Mika side table, $599. Both are constructed of burl wood, with the Cupid table featuring contrasting strips of polar and elm burl veneer.
• The Sloane group of dining table, dining chairs, TV console, sideboard and shelf, offered in warm honey oak finish.
• The Ingrid chair, $899, has a fully upholstered seat with tilted backrest and is covered in Umber Panache fabric, exclusive to this limited edition collection.
• The Sacha armchair, $1,099, is fully upholstered and offers a low-slung, sculptural silhouette.
• The Rochelle performance boucle bed, $1,599, is reimagined in a duo-toned woven chenille and solid honey oak legs. Available in queen and king.

Apart from the furniture, Castlery is also releasing limited-edition tote bags to commemorate the anniversary and sporting the same signature fabrics as seen in the collection: Vivid Merlot and Chai Revival.

The 10th Anniversary Limited Edition Collection is available for purchase online. Founded in 2013, Castlery is available in more than 100 metropolitan areas across the U.S., Australia and Singapore.

See also:

• DTC furniture line grows with 2 new sofas
• Sitting pretty: Dozens of seating options make up DTC brand’s new introductions

The post See how global DTC brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary 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— The High Point Market is a wrap, but the planning for Spring introductions gets a jumpstart in a few weeks when Interwoven Textile Fair by ITA, the biannual textile show hosted by International Textile Assn., gets underway.

Interwoven Fall 2023 is Nov. 14-16 in High Point and will feature ITA member companies showcasing their latest fabrics, leathers and trims. More than 600 buying companies are expected to attend, including many buyers who will choose textiles for their 2024 upholstered furniture introductions. For Carrie Dillon, ITA managing director, the intersection of fashion and furniture starts at Interwoven.

“It’s exciting to think about the impact our show has on the trends in the home furnishings industry,” Dillon said. “Twelve to 18-months before a trend reaches the consumer market, it is presented in new textile and leather introductions at Interwoven.

“The designers pull inspiration from fashion, travel and trend forecasting resources like FS (Fashion Snoops) in creating their collections each season,” she continued. “Through our partnership with FS, we feature four new trends in each edition of our magazine, and these trends are showcased in a gallery at the show. ITA members submit samples from their new collections, and the FS team curates these into a comprehensive display located on floor 5 of Market Square. This is a great resource for buyers to get an overview of the trends and preview the introductions for the season. The textiles and leather selected at Interwoven Textile Fair by ITA are then put on the frames that are displayed at the following High Point Market, and six months after that they begin appearing on the retail floor.”

Dillon noted that ITA and FS have partnered with High Point Market Authority and the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame to choose one of the four trends shown at Interwoven Textile Fair by ITA and create a display at the Hall of Fame building that illustrates how the trends in textile design translate to upholstered furniture and other accessories. In addition to the trend display, Interwoven attendees can also access educational opportunities at the show.

“We continue to build on our goal of providing exceptional education during the show with two full days of seminars in November,” Dillon said. “On Tuesday, we will host a trend presentation from FS (Fashions Snoops) followed by a presentation by David Santi or Casa Santi on selecting textiles for windows and upholstery. Cotton Inc. will present on Transformative Technologies in Cotton and Tuesday’s education will finish with a panel discussion on embracing differences in the home furnishings industry.

“Wednesday will begin with a panel discussion on performance fabrics moderated by Eric Schneider of Fabrics & Furnishings International and panelists include Lance Keziah, president, Crypton; Keith Nail, vice president of quality assurance, Morgan Fabrics; Tammy Buckner, vice president of marketing, Culp Fabrics; and Scott Kahan, director of business development, Regal Fabrics,” Dillon continued. “Wednesday’s education continues with a seminar on Lenzing’s Ecovero Viscose with Walter Bridgham, senior business development manager with Lenzing Fibers, followed by a panel discussion with the Sustainable Furnishings Council on Textile Recycling and Sustainability.”

Interwoven hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A complete show schedule is available on the ITA website along with registration information.

See also: See which supplier is returning to Interwoven in November with a sustainability-inspired palette 

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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

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NEW YORK — Boll & Branch, which made its name in the direct-to-consumer home textiles category, is continuing its evolution with the launch of its first capsule furniture collection.

“Since we launched Boll & Branch in 2014,” said Scott Tannen, co-founder and CEO, “our product line has slowly and steadily evolved. It has always felt natural that eventually we would introduce a line of furniture that allows our customers to enjoy the complete Boll & Branch aesthetic as they have seen in our stores and imagery for years.”

Missy Tannen, who serves as chief designer along with being co-founder, explained: “For years, our customers have been asking us about the furniture pieces we used in our brand photography.” This move, she noted, finally allows customers to bring that look into their homes.

The furniture, which includes upholstered and wood bed frames, a six-drawer wood dresser and nightstand in two finishes and an upholstered bench, was designed by an in-house team, said Scott Tannen. Retail prices for the line range from $999 to $4,300.

“Every single item in our assortment is created this way and unique to Boll & Branch,” he said. “While we know this isn’t the norm for our industry, we pride ourselves on thinking through every detail to make absolutely perfect products. Our furniture is no exception.”

The furniture is made by a factory in Vietnam that is operated by an American company, he said, noting they do “extensive due diligence” in advance of their partnerships. Boll & Branch is also offering hand-tufted rugs made in India using New Zealand wool.

While the company went outside the U.S. for its furniture production, “whenever possible, we look to develop partnerships in the United States,” he said, pointing out the company’s pillow inserts, mattresses and duvet inserts are all U.S.-made.

Because the company already had experience with in-home delivery and setup from its mattress business, the transition to handling furniture logistics was not a difficult one. Along with delivery and installation handled through Boll & Branch, customers have access to stylists who will provide bedding recommendations to fit with their newly purchased furniture.

Based on the “overwhelmingly positive” initial response, Tannen said, the likelihood that more furniture is in the offing is strong. “It is an enormous category and we are very excited to keep the innovation coming,” he said. However, he added, “we are certainly not signaling a departure from the bedding and fabrics for which we have become known.”

The furniture line is on display at the six Boll & Branch stores and on the company’s website. Boll & Branch is in a growth mode with its retail operation, having just opened a store in Dallas. Its other locations are in Short Hills and Shrewsbury, N.J.; Greenwich, Conn.; Boca Raton, Fla.; and Houston. In addition, the company’s bedding is sold through seven Bloomingdale’s, five of which were added this year, and 18 Nordstrom stores.

“Physical, in-store experiences have always been a part of our growth strategy and will continue to be,” said Scott Tannen. “In 2024, we will more than double our retail fleet while meaningfully expanding our relationships with both of our flagship wholesale partners.

“While e-commerce will always be a strong part of our mix, we know that many customers love to shop for bedding in person,” he said.

See also:

• DTC furniture line grows with 2 new sofas
• Sitting pretty: Dozens of seating options make up DTC brand’s new introductions

The post Home textile retailer is branching out with bedroom furniture, more stores appeared first on Furniture Today.

The fall High Point Market is behind us, and the next market on the horizon is in Las Vegas, Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 2024. Any company exhibiting at the January market is welcome to participate in our coverage of your market introductions and highlighted product. The deadline for sending information and photos about your company’s new product is Friday, Dec. 15.

Having those introductions covered in Furniture Today is made easy with our online product submission form. Use the drop-down menu to select “Winter Las Vegas.” Photos are welcome (up to 10 per company), product information is a must, and we’d love to hear about new programs and other company updates.
Reminder: This link is new for 2024 markets.

Here’s what you do:

• PHOTOS: You may submit high-resolution photos for consideration. Be sure to include information for every image. Image size must be at least 4 inches wide at 300 dpi.
• TO UPLOAD DIGITALLY, go to this link at furnituretoday.com/products (new for the 2024 markets), and enter information into appropriate product categories along with product description for any photos you may be submitting. Drag image files into the space at the bottom of the form. You may use the description box on the form or include a text document along with the image files. Be sure to include information for every image.

In addition, Furniture Today welcomes press releases about product, programs and personnel.  Press releases may be emailed to Managing Editor Vicky Jarrett at vjarrett@furnituretoday.com. Please include your company name in the subject line.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Seating is the focus of three new pieces from designer and artist Sarah Sherman Samuel, creator of SSS Atelier. Included in the new collection are the Alba sofa and chair and the Kamp chair, all of which are informed by Samuel’s youth in Western Michigan.

“I’m thrilled to bring seating to my atelier collection with the introduction of our Alba sofa and lounge chair and Kamp dining chairs,” said Samuel. “An extension of our current collection of tables and case goods, the seating is also inspired by the landscape of my childhood and endless summer days spent outside.

“In my interior work, I am often trying to bring the magic of the natural world indoors, so it was apt to have my furniture designs reflect the same,” she said.

The upholstered Alba sofa and chair, with petallike box pleating, were inspired by the Michigan wildflower Prenanthesalba, while the more utilitarian Kamp chair, constructed of white oak, leather and brass with an upholstered stretcher, evokes favorite childhood memories “of nights spent under the stars,” she said. The pieces range in price from $1,950 to $12,500.

Samuel’s collection is available through her website at sssatelier.com and at Colony in New York, which features furniture, lighting and textiles from independent producers.

See also:

• DTC furniture line grows with 2 new sofas
• Sitting pretty: Dozens of seating options make up DTC brand’s new introductions

The post Rural Michigan serves as inspiration for new seating collection appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT – New Classic Furniture introduced product across all of its offered furniture categories at the High Point Market but with a focus on new motion and stationary upholstery.

The company’s introduction count this time around was comparable with last market, with around 30 new collections. New lines are not whole home per say, bucking a current trend seen in much of the industry to offer collections that are more all-encompassing.

“Most people’s homes don’t align neatly throughout,” said Michele McPherson, the company’s vice president and general manager. “We had a whole home focus this market, but all of our collections are independent of one another. They’re all of individual categories and values.”

McPherson said the whole home trend, and the push many companies are making into new categories, is logical for the industry as business is tough, but it’s challenging to achieve success.

“You have to make sure you have good people managing,” she said. “You can be a great case goods merchant, but that doesn’t mean you’ll move seamlessly into upholstery. You’re going to need your own upholstery experts to make it work. It’s also challenging to find the right suppliers. Quality has to be consistent.”

New Classic operates in both the mid and promotional price point ranges. The focus this market was on both, with new product spread across each range.

“Promotional has been stronger over the past eight months or so,” McPherson said. “We’ve really been focused on getting more value into our product while keeping prices low. Our upholstery especially has seen success in the promotional range.”

Value means features, the company said, with the more things to talk about, the better. That’s true in both upholstery and case goods.

“We touch on many different looks and styles, but in the promotional price point where I feel we are the best value in the industry,” said Scott Hill, president of sales. ”It is all about the clarity of the finish, the shaping of the cases and the chairs.

“In a lot of people’s minds there isn’t a whole lot you can do to make a $399 retail dinette different than others, but that is where Bill Dominguez, our vice president of product development, really gives us an advantage. His attention to detail on a category where many people are walking away from in promotional dining is second to none.”

See also:

• Promotional price points aren’t going anywhere, says New Classic’s head of sales
• Taking a look at A.R.T.’s new intros, and its reasoning to ditch the term ‘coastal’

The post Promotional price point and upholstery continue to shine for New Classic at Market appeared first on Furniture Today.

CYPRESS, Calif. — Online retailer Albany Park has expanded its North America-made seating options with two new sofas.

Joining the ranks of its existing armchairs, ottomans, loveseats, sleeper sofas and sectionals are the Barton, a larger, low-profile sofa with deeper seats and wood legs; and the Lido, a smaller-space option offering an off-the-floor design with tapered legs and earth-tone textiles.

Both sofas are pet- and kid-friendly, offering removable covers. The Barton is available in eight fabrics, including some stain-resistant and performance options, as well as three leg colors: black, oak and walnut. The Lido offers the same fabric choices and leg options in brass or black.

“Everyone at Albany Park is excited to launch these newest designs,” said Jessica Ross, co-CEO. “We pride ourselves in having a very focused selection to make sofa buying easier, so any new product line must be truly special to make the cut.”

Albany Park, which was founded by Ross and Darryl Sharpton, is part of the Exemplis group of brands, which includes direct-to-consumer furniture line Edloe Finch.

See also:

• California company acquires DTC companies Edloe Finch and Albany Park
• Sitting pretty: Dozens of seating options make up DTC brand’s new introductions

The post DTC furniture line grows with 2 new sofas appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT — Manwah has expanded its management team as of Oct. 1. Bo Morrison has joined Manwah as vice president of sales, reporting to Gabriele Natale, CEO.

Morrison has previously worked with companies including Moto Motion, HMI and Ashley. Manwah officials said that he will play a “crucial role in steering Manwah toward continued growth and success” and noted that “his leadership, combined with his deep understanding of consumer trends and market dynamics, will undoubtedly give Manwah a competitive edge.”

“We are confident that Bo’s vast experience and business relationships will further strengthen our position as the powerhouse in motion upholstery,” said Natale.

“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Manwah,” Morrison said. “Having this opportunity to leverage my experience with the world’s largest motion company will allow me to forge new opportunities for myself as well as Manwah.”

See also: Manwah continues to expand leadership team with 2 key hires

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