tips and discussion about selling outdoor accessories and the growing garden pastime. 

The days heading up to the High Point Market, held Oct. 20-26 in High Point, N.C., I heard many concerns as to whether the fall market would prove to be successful or not in terms of attendance and buying. Many wondered whether retailers would even show up, and, if they did, would they buy?

I was especially excited heading into this market because I had been "MIA" from the trade show circuit since April. Many of you know I was out on maternity leave so I was definitely ready to see the 2009 products I missed during premarket and the Casual Show.

I was happy to hear an optimistic attitude from many vendors. Gary McCray, president of Laneventure, said he decided they would put on the best High Point Market for those who did show up. David Morris, vice president of sales at Whitecraft, said High Point was a great show, and noted the company’s success...Read More

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It comes as no surprise that manufacturers, like retailers, are facing tough times. But those I have spoken with this year have found that the hospitality market has offered them a light at the end of the tunnel when business at the specialty retail level has flattened, or worse.

An article in Newsweek (Won’t You Stay a Bit Longer?, Oct. 6, 2008) examined the recent interest hotel chains have in building extended-stay hotels and how to make them more attractive to business travelers. Extended-stay hotels have, in the past, appealed to those who travel often because of their amenities like kitchens, washers and dryers, complimentary drinks and more. Offering those amenities seemed to work – the article shows from 1998 to 2007, upscale stays at these hotels grew from 14 million to 29.3 million.

Today, compan...Read More

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The Garden Media Group recently sent over a brief synopsis of its 2009 trend report and I thought I'd share ... the full report will be available in September. Visit gardenmediagroup for more information.

From blueberries to houseplants, grow it yourself (or GIY) is the new mantra for both seasoned gardeners and beginners as folks turn back to the future to simplify their lives while gardening for the greener good.

Fueled by rising prices in gasoline, milk, bread and produce, combined with an eco-culture to do something good for the environment, the trend toward GIY is exploding.

“Gardening is back!” said Susan McCoy, president of the Garden Media Group. “Everyone, particularly young people, is planting vegetables, herbs, perennials and shrubs – anything they can grow themselves with ent...Read More

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As we approach a busy time for the casual industry (premarket is right around the corner, just in case you need to be reminded), I thought it would be fitting to review some current trends from within not only our industry, but the fashion, home accents and interior furnishings worlds as well.

OUTDOOR

Deep Seating Thick, plush cushions are key to this trend as designers fashion outdoor sofas, loveseats, club chairs and ottomans after their indoor counterparts. Modular pieces and sectionals are highlighted in this category while woven/wicker materials and teak are the top materials.

Vertical Living As more townhouses and condominiums are constructed, so too are furniture sets that can fit in smaller spaces. From bistro sets that include a smaller mosaic ...Read More

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What did you do this past Memorial Day weekend? If you are like many, odds are you spent your days off of work right at home, perhaps even canceling a vacation due to the boggling gas prices that keep inching higher and higher … and higher.

AAA reported Americans planned to drive less over the weekend than they did in 2007 – for the first time since 2002. Today, I had to fill up my tank and, as I did so, had to take a big gulp of air in order to avoid a panic attack right there at the pump. Here in Greensboro, N.C., our regular gas prices are hovering around $3.80. News reports from CNN and Fox to local newspapers all are saying the prices are resulting in changing lifestyles, from carpooling to trading in SUVs for ...Read More

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It’s that time of year again when many of you, if you haven’t already, are sprucing up your stores and getting ready for the warmer temperatures and customers to come in searching for brand new outdoor furniture and accessories.

It’s also that time of year when you should take a few minutes and photograph your stores for Casual Living’s annual Merchandising Awards. Each spring, Cinde and I, along with other furniture industry veterans, sit down and study your stores through those photographs. It’s a great chance for you to be awarded for your hard work and creativity.

Retailers are awarded in the following categories: Best Overall Merchandising, Best Use of Accessories, Bes...Read More

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As news broke earlier this year that Fortunoff, another well-known, established specialty retailer in our industry was again facing challenges, this time filing Chapter 11 and subsequently being bought by Lord & Taylor parent company NRDC Equity, a hearty, collective sigh could be heard in the furnishings industry. 

It’s times like this the reality of the marketplace is again at the forefront of our minds. In the days that followed the news, I was putting together the Spring issue of Garden Decor and contacted many manufacturers who had exhibited at the winter trade shows. I wanted to know how they thought traffic was – was business good? Were orders being written? 

The overwhelmingly positive outlook, even when some expressed frustration at a slow start to 2008, was telling. It feels comforting to know that even in tough ...Read More

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While working on the next issue of Garden Decor (look for it in April), I came across a news item that got my attention. Though it will be too late to use for the spring issue, I thought this would be a good place to use it, and you’ll see why.

Fiskars Brands, a global manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer and industrial products, including Fiskars Garden & Outdoor Living, has inspired many over the last four years with its gardening project, Project Orange Thumb.

Through this project, established to promote sustainable agriculture, horticultural education, community involvement and neighborhood beautification, grants are offered to community organizations, schools, gardening clubs, senior centers and any other gr...Read More

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Edward Walker, a designer on TLC’s Trading Spaces, gave a seminar last week during the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market titled Design for Outdoor Living. Though Walker admitted not being completely knowledgeable about the casual industry before being asked to give the seminar, he obviously did his research and had plenty to share on the topic. I thought I’d break out a few tidbits of information he shared last week that may be helpful as we head into 2008.

• Advice
  • Walker urged retailers to frequently move product around in store to keep things looking fresh and new. He recommended a three-week cut-off point.
  • If

...Read More

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As I write this column, rain is pouring down outside. A welcome sight. Here in North Carolina, 100 counties are suffering from drought with water restrictions imposed on many of us over the last few months. At the same time, wildfires are raging on the West Coast. It seems no one has escaped from Mother Nature’s wrath this year. 

Despite the oddities we’ve experienced, in addition to a poor economy, those in the outdoor industry are surprisingly and overwhelmingly positive about the past year and what lies ahead in 2008. Those I spoke with for a Year in Review story (found in Garden Decor’s upcoming Winter Issue) cited challenges but also presented upbeat reviews and predictions. 

What are your p...Read More

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A retailer recently sent the following to me while we both were attending the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market. I found it particularly interesting, and thought many readers would, too. With the retailer’s permission, I have decided to post this in the hopes of receiving feedback that may be helpful to others.

 

The retailer wrote:

 

If you read through all the major players in the industry commentaries …with a couple of exceptions it seems that most of the majors are flat to up 6 or 8% (almost the amount of price increases).

 

...Read More

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It seems this year was the hardest on everyone traveling to trade shows. 

An increase in the amount of flight delays and cancellations, combined with radical weather changes and computer glitches, took its toll on a number of us in the furniture industry. 

Just recently I returned from a trip to New England where I visited specialty retailers in the casual furniture business. Despite delayed flights and missed connections, I returned home quite pleased with the customer service the airline provided not only me, but other stranded customers. 

It couldn’t have been easy keeping up with all of the travelers at my particular gate, some tired and weary, others angry. But the two gate attendants kept a pleasant attitude, informing us of changes as the information came to them. 

Would I fly this airl...Read More

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