Casually Speaking

October 30, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (2)

Given growing concerns about credit, inventory levels and Wall Street, retailers and manufacturers face challenges ahead.

Furniture analyst Jerry Epperson predicts an uptick in business, starting in the second half of 2009 and continuing with significant improvements in 2010. Casual furniture represents roughly 10% of the overall furniture industry, but the segment for outdoor and covered areas has not been hit as hard by the stalled housing industry. Still, year-long economic conditions and the slowdown in spending are squeezing businesses.
 
Meanwhile, buyers are making decisions about which lines to buy and how much to stock. Changes in buying patterns became a theme that repeated as I talked with vendors at the recent High Point Market. Some told me they see the casual furniture industry’s tr...Read More

October 24, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

Retail buyers and designers shopped the High Point Market with determination in the midst of high inventory levels from a year-long stalled economycombined with volatile currency and stock market reports.

“We haven’t had many lookers; it’s been buyers,” said Rebecca Price, Uwharrie Chair. “Most of the ones who come to our showroom are very familiar with us. They know we can drop-ship and deliver in three to four weeks.”

Other casual furniture manufacturers with quick-ship programs also reported success despite an economic climate that is scaring buyers away from committing to large volume orders.

Acacia Home & Garden CEO/President Alex Te expects more deman...Read More

October 6, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

What do you think about the casual furnishings industry being in the business of selling romance, promise and possibilities?

If you saw Furniture/Today Editor in Chief Ray Allegrezza's column last week (click here), you know that was his impression when he returned to the Casual Market in Chicago after being away for some time. He described it as "refreshing and gratifying to revisit this segment of the home furnishings market."

Ray shared comments from Art Thompson, a visionary who has led Laneventure since its inception in 1989 and is handing its reins over to Gary McCray. You may know Gary as another industry leader who looks beyond seeing tables, chairs, umbrellas ...Read More

September 11, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

As the weather cools and autumn makes its seasonal entrance, the casual furniture industry will gather again Monday through Thursday at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.

New casual furniture showrooms have been added on the Mart’s 15th floor since the July casual furniture premarket. Other permanent showrooms on floors 16 and 17 have been expanded to show more outdoor furnishings. More manufacturers will be exhibiting on temporary floors 7 and 8. You’ll find new names along with more familiar ones. 

Design Excellence judges are convening at the Mart in Chicago on Friday to select the winners from a record number of new design entries -- 145. Winners will be recognized during the Welcome Party, set for 6 p.m.  Monday in the Design Excellence Gallery on the north side of the 7th...Read More

April 14, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (1)