Youth sources stress health, safety features
By Tanya K. Merritte -- Furniture Today, February 11, 2008
Las Vegas — Exhibitors showing their latest in juvenile and youth designs reported brisk business here, with many saying the show was among their busiest since the Las Vegas Market launched in 2005.
In the Vegas Kids section of the World Market Center complex, manufacturers said response to product introductions was positive.
Catherine Willey, national sales manager with Berg, said the company's Crib 'n Twin drew attention. The crib, retailing at $1,099, has two drawers underneath and three on each end panel. It converts to a twin bed and a student desk with the purchase of a desktop surface and twin headboard.
Another Vegas Kids exhibitor, wall art manufacturer Creative Images, launched its first line of lamps at the show. Owner Joy Phillips said many of her current buyers were excited about the line and she wrote several orders on the first day of market. "These are for people who want real design" in what they put in their child's room, Phillips said.
Broyhill Home Furnishings introduced four youth groups: Cross Creek, Statements, Halsten and Attitudes. Linda Moretz, youth merchandising manager, said based on the orders she had seen, Halsten and Attitudes were the top sellers.
Moretz said a Halsten bed initially was to be offered in twin and full sizes, but during the show Broyhill decided to add a queen option, allowing the group to be used in second bedrooms as well as youth rooms.
With the wave of juvenile product recalls because of lead paint and other concerns, many manufacturers in Las Vegas stressed the safety and health features of their product. Khoury Furniture launched the 12-SKU Louisville collection, an ash group that is Smartwood certified by the Rainforest Alliance and uses water-based, non-toxic finishes, said Daniel Khoury, owner and CEO.
John Boyd, owner of John Boyd Designs, said that an increasing number of buyers and consumers want to know where product is made and the production standards. "We are made in the USA, and we are lead free," Boyd said, noting that information is prominently displayed on product hang tags.
