Fresh upholstery proves plentiful at market
By Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, August 4, 2008
Las Vegas — There was no shortage of new upholstery products at the market here last week, ranging from Donald Trump's new collection for Lexington to the Museum of New Mexico collection for King Hickory.
The idea behind most of the new groups was to give retailers something to freshen up their floors. But more than that, manufacturers appeared to be offering new products that might be interesting enough to pull consumers into the store.
One of the larger introductions was at AICO, with a new casual contemporary collection that takes the company in a direction quite different from the opulent, detailed looks that the company has long been known for.
"We've really had a good response to all the new collections," said Laurie Phillips, vice president of soft line merchandising.
Nathan Anthony geared its offerings to distinctive pieces like a white leather chair with outside arms and back covered in a bold, graphic print. Also drawing buyers' attention were upholstered beds, including one in a blue metallic Ultrasuede, and an updated wing chair with silver nailheads.
"People are looking for value," said Tina Nicole, a company owner. "It has not been a great order-writing market," she said, adding that "people are checking things and planning out lines. And they're choosing their suppliers carefully."
Lazar put a textured sectional based on teal in its showroom window as a teaser to a new collection by HGTV design star Michael Payne, whose full collection for the contemporary specialist is due in October.
"So far, the reaction has been wonderful and people are anxious to see it in High Point," said Dave Sowinski, president and CEO.
In addition, retailers were interested in new fabrics and styles. "They were asking what's new and what could they put on their floors to generate business," he said.
Aspenhome's new Savvy Home, its first fabric upholstery, stressed value as a way to entice demographic groups from Gen Y to Baby Boomers, either starting households, downsizing or refitting.
Klaussner offered a limited introduction in stationary, tailored for Western preferences, said Jay Foscue, senior vice president of merchandising. He said that Western customers preferred No-Sag spring construction over down and foam. But Klaussner also offered a Get Down program featuring down blend cushioning for an upcharge, so retailers can order whatever their market demands.
Klaussner also has an in-stock order program with limited SKUs that allows retailers to cut down on inventory and turn it faster, Foscue said.
Excelsior Designs reported strong interest in its new Nicole Miller sofa introductions. The upholstery uses metallics — a trend in other showrooms as well — that Miller has included in a number of her apparel designs.
"We've had great registrations," said Steven Kayne, president. "Traffic through here has been good."
Broyhill launched contemporary, tropical and urban lodge groups, and got attention for a collection called Modern Mix, geared to Gen X and Gen Y consumers, using grays and metallics, crimson reds, teals, butterscotch and cocoa.
Frames include three deep-seated silhouettes, two casual transitional frames and two sectionals.
