Leather resources enhance programs
By Joan Gunin -- Furniture Today, October 15, 2001
HIGH POINT — While no brand new companies have emerged in the hot category for this market, existing leather upholstery manufacturers are offering enhanced or upgraded programs to energize retail sales.
Home Impressions, showing at 1634 North Main St., is making its official High Point debut. The long-established Asian distributor of Australian hides began producing its own branded leather seating for the U.S market earlier this year, said Gary Furnas, general manager for North America. Sofas target retails of $1,100 to $1,400.
Home Impressions is spotlighting its container-direct and warehouse programs with "Moo Money," a promotion offering discounts of 5% or $200, whichever best suits a store's own marketing program, Furnas said.
BenchCraft is showcasing 10 frames from Vera Pelle, its new leather line, in its showroom at Interstate 85 and Uwharrie Road. The line has expanded since the six frames rolled out in conjunction with its official launch at the Tupelo Furniture Market in August.
Vera Pelle — "True Leather" in Italian — is the company's first collection of imported Italian leather seating and is manufactured overseas by a dedicated partner. Offered in four leather grades and various colors, a three-piece combination opens at $1,499 retail. The line is offered by container or through a local warehouse.
"This rounds out our leather line," said Greg Henderson, chief executive officer of BenchCraft. The company already has its premium line produced at its Blue Mountain, Miss., facility, an Italian cut-and-sew program assembled in Mississippi, and Leather Direct, its Asian import program.
One new entrant in the leather fray is Miles Talbott, the starting price division of Michael Thomas, whose showroom is at 1690 English Road. Incorporating cut-and-sew hides from Tiger Imports, two collections of sofas, chairs and ottomans are being offered. Sofas retail at $1,799.
Coaster is expanding its startup line of leather-match seating. Three-piece contemporary groups — sofa ($699), loveseat ($599) and chair ($399) — are imported from China. Coaster also offers an all-leather program.
Ferguson Copeland, at 300 East Green Drive, revs up its line with the addition of a leather chair and ottoman program. Both pieces are priced at less than $2,000. Six groups emphasize traditional and transitional frames.
Nieri North America, in the 220 Elm building, a division of Montreal-based leather specialist Primo International, is developing relationships with Ferrari dealerships to showcase its leather seating at dealer locations. The line is a joint effort between Alberto Nieri and Pininfarina, credited with the design of the Ferrari.
Montreal's Ferrari Quebec, selected as the first dealer to participate, will display La Rossa, a dynamic, ergonomic, futuristic assortment retailing from $5,000 to $10,000.
"This will be the first-ever car dealership to display and sell furniture," said John DeFalco, vice president of sales and marketing for Nieri North America.
Four Hands, in Market Square, is an Austin, Texas-based import company geared to a young, hip demographic. Introductions include the Havana collection, spotlighting Jewel, a clean three-seater. The $1,500-retail Hungarian-built sofa is available in java, cognac or black.
The line includes club chairs, dining chairs and an oversize ottoman and tabletop, said Molly Hudson, marketing coordinator at Four Hands.
Cibola Leather, showing at 518 N. Hamilton St., is highlighting a series of exotic leather combinations.
| Four Hands presents Jewel, a sophisticated three-seater of polished leather made in Hungary, with track arms and square wood legs. It's priced to retail at $1,500. |
