News From Casual Living
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 18, 2008
Homecrest resumes under new ownership
Casual furniture maker Home-crest Outdoor Living began manufacturing this month in a Wadena, Minn., plant that Homecrest had closed last October after its efforts to refinance or find a buyer failed.
Serving as president of the new company is Mike Bullinger, a key investor and CPA who owns and operates manufacturing and distribution companies in the home improvement industry. Bullinger works with Western Products, a home exterior improvement company, and has a track record in turning around struggling companies.
Don Bottemiller, former Homecrest president, is taking an active role as an investor in the new company. Other experienced workers are returning to production, IT and credit roles.
Homecrest Outdoor Living is focusing on "a return to the basics that made Homecrest an industry leader — great quality, great value and outstanding customer service," said General Manager Tim DeJong, formerly of Polaris Inds.
Global changes shaping long-term design trends
While fashion's influence on home furnishing designs is faster than ever, expect long-term design trends to reflect changing technology and the world economy.
That global view was what Robert Idol, Lane Furniture vice president and creative director, directed retailers and designers' attention toward as he discussed trends at a WithIt seminar during the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market in January.
"We really have to start looking beyond where we are," Idol said. "The world economy is more important today than it has ever been, so it's something we really have to focus on."
Idol reminded attendees how the U.S. dollar has lost its dominant role and shrunk in value in relation to the euro.
Because China, India and Russia are emerging as leading countries, their traditionally luxe, richly detailed styles and cultures are starting to influence designs, Idol said. Look for a trickle down of more luxurious materials and graphic patterns with incredible detail.
Pride named Vendor of Year by EXPO Design Center
Pride Family Brands, a Hollywood, Fla.-based designer and manufacturer of handcrafted outdoor furniture, was awarded the 2007 EXPO Outdoor Living Vendor Partner of the Year by EXPO Design Center, a Home Depot company.
EXPO awards its Partner of the Year based on in-store service and training, end-customer service, quality of product, on-time and complete shipments, participation and support of EXPO marketing programs and sales in relation to prior year.
"Pride has been a longtime supplier to The Home Depot and EXPO and worked very hard to earn this award for 2007," said Helena Bennet, EXPO's outdoor living merchant.
Pride's Expressions line of outdoor cast aluminum furniture is featured at the 34 EXPO Design Center locations.
Robb and Stucky launches direct sales campaign
Describing it as the next level of superior customer service, Robb & Stucky has launched two new channels for interacting with consumers. Its e-commerce portal went live on its Web site in late 2007, while its third catalog is scheduled to be mailed this month.
"It is all about meeting customer needs," said Jon Rubinstein, vice president of outdoor living, Robb & Stucky. "We deal with affluent customers who are used to interacting with other retailers that at the very least have an e-commerce capability; many also have catalogs. Our customers expect that from Robb & Stucky as well."
Currently, the company is offering about 250 interior and patio products via its shopping portal.
"We plan on increasing that significantly over the next few months," Rubinstein said.
Although some vendors still do not allow specialty dealers to sell their products over the Internet, Rubinstein said that hasn't been a problem.
Between those vendors that do allow e-commerce and Robb & Stucky's own sourced interior lines, the company has plenty of product available for online sales.
Its printed catalogs, with separate books for patio and interior, are being mailed to prospect lists in addition to Robb & Stucky's customer list. To date, the targeted mailings have been primarily, but not exclusively, in its showroom markets in Florida and Arizona.
Thomasville to debut outdoor furniture at The Home Depot
Thomasville's first outdoor furniture collections will debut at The Home Depot, both in stores and online, beginning this month.
The outdoor furniture line includes two collections: Nature's Retreat, crafted of Forest Stewardship Council-certified eucalyptus and all-weather wicker; and Summer Silhouette, made of powder-coated aluminum. Both collections include sets and separates of dining, deep seating and occasional pieces designed for luxurious yet practical outdoor living.
"The Thomasville brand is a trusted source for design, quality and value," said Thomasville President Ed Teplitz. "With the introduction of these collections, Thomasville and Home Depot are well positioned to meet rising consumer demand for comfortable and inviting outdoor living environments."
The outdoor collections by Thomasville will be available exclusively at The Home Depot and homedepot.com, and will be supported by advertising, consumer literature, in-store signage and a dedicated Web site.
Summer Classics opening Richmond, Va., showroom
Summer Classics will open its first Virginia showroom in Richmond, Va., this month.
To create its 13th factory store in the Southeast, Summer Classics leased 12,000 square feet of showroom and warehouse space at the former Spa Hearth & Home building. Summer Classics uses a designer showroom approach to present a mix of outdoor casual furniture, indoor furniture and case goods, including limited-edition reproductions, antiques and accessories.
"For a city of its size, Richmond is underserved when it comes to quality home and outdoor products," said Bew White, founder and president of Summer Classics. "We are changing the way people think about outdoor furniture, and we are excited to have the opportunity to bring a different view of outdoor living to Richmond as well."
Summer Classics has showrooms in Pelham, Huntsville, Mobile and Gulf Shores, Ala.; Orlando, Fla.; Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; San Antonio, Atlanta, Chicago and St. Louis.
Talkback
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I purchased $3,335 worth of Homecrest deck furniture in March, 2002. It came with a 15 year...
Richard Brunermer - 2008-10-14 10:52:53
