Archive for August 28th, 2007
Emmett Agee creates beautiful wood furniture
By MARK NEWMAN Courier staff writer
OTTUMWA — If Emmett Agee shopped at furniture stores, he’d be broke.
Agee and his wife, Esther, have a house filled with hand-carved wooden furniture. From the dining room set to the grandfather clock, nearly every wooden item in their home was built by Emmett.
“My father was a carpenter; I learned the trade from my dad, but I always fooled around with cabinetmaking,” he said. “I worked both trades. They’re both connected.”
A simplified explanation of the difference between carpentry and the cabinetmaking Emmett holds so dear is that cabinetmakers create their pieces in a shop; carpenters generally work on the job site.
Not that Agee hasn’t put in his time in construction: He was a foreman on the job decades ago that put the addition on the back of the Ottumwa Courier building.
Now 90 years old and retired, Emmett has slowed down. Slowed down, but not stopped. He just finished a music console to hold his CD player and CDs. Esther said her husband can be found listening to old country music nearly every day.
“He lost his wife; I lost my husband. After six years of being widowed, I found him on the dance floor,” she said.
They’ve been married 26 years.
“We’ve got 10 kids between us and have wonderful relationships with all of them,” Emmett said. “I build a lot of furniture for the kids.”
For example, he cut just the parts for 15 grandfather clock cases. He bought some “works” for the clock, then started assembling the clocks. He gave one to each child.
One of the clocks stands in his dining room today. It shares space with the hand-built dining room table and chairs. Nearby sit other Emmett Agee creations: a magazine rack, a plant stand and on the table, a lazy susan.
The bedrooms, the living room and the kitchen are stocked with hardwood furnishings, too.
“I think the oak is the most beautiful,” said Esther, “but it’s so heavy! Even an [oak] dining room chair is heavy, especially when you’re 90 years old.”
And at that age, Emmett has slowed down on the number of pieces he builds. Which, said Esther, is a good thing.
“We don’t have any place to put them.”
August 28th, 2007
By IZWAN IDRIS
PETALING JAYA: Rubberwood furniture makers saw mixed performance in the quarter ended June 30, as the industry grappled with rising raw material costs and weakening demand from the US, the main export market for most manufacturers.
“Prices of rubberwood logs have seen a nearly 30% increase since January this year and this had significantly eroded margins for furniture makers,” OSK Investment Bank analyst Choy Sun Jen said yesterday.
And while log prices had stabilised at about RM1,300 per tonne in the past weeks, it is still more than double compared with two years ago.
Despite these challenges, Malacca-based DPS Resources Bhd reported an improved performance in the three-month period, albeit by a slightly reduced profit margin.
Net profit in the second quarter ended June 30 rose 23% to RM3.3mil, or 2.5 sen per share, while revenue jumped 28% to RM36.5mil from the previous corresponding period.
Cumulative six-month net earnings stood at RM6.6mil, or 4.96 sen per share. OSK predicted that earnings would expand in the second half to meet its full-year forecast of RM17.4mil, or 13.2 sen per share.
DPS Resources will hold its EGM on Thursday to seek shareholders’ approval on a plan to sell rights shares to raise RM76mil for expansion. The capacity-enhancing programme was expected to accelerate the group’s growth over the next two to three years.
The stock ended at 50 sen yesterday, up 0.5 sen on volume of 357,000 shares.
While DPS Resources appeared to be virtually unscathed by the tough operating condition, two of its competitors were hit hard.
Rubberwood cost accounted for about two-thirds of production costs for Latitude Tree Holdings Bhd, one the bigger listed furniture makers with turnover of RM410mil for the year ended June 30 (FY07).
The higher log prices had halved its net profit from a year earlier to RM10.3mil, or 16 sen per share. Revenue in FY07 had improved from RM357mil recorded in FY06.
The decline in earnings was also partly contributed by the closure of a plant in Ijok, Selangor, in March, which brought down Latitude Tree’s local operation from three plants to two.
OSK, however, sees improved sales and margins for Latitude Tree in FY08 and FY09, with a third plant in Vietnam coming on stream. The company is also putting more emphasis on higher-end products to boost profitability.
Sern Kou Resources Bhd, meanwhile, managed to squeeze an after-tax profit of RM752,000 on revenue of RM29.67mil in the second quarter ended June 30.
To compare, the company made a net profit of RM1.45mil on sales of RM37.5mil in the previous corresponding period. Sern Kou said the declines were due to lower demand for wooden furniture during the period.
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August 28th, 2007
ATHENS, Ala. A fire destroyed a former furniture store in downtown Athens Monday afternoon.
The building used to house the Butler Furniture store on West Market Street but was being used by the business as a warehouse.
Athens Fire Chief Cliff Christopher said the fire was called in around 3:45 p.m. and was under control by about 4:45 p.m., The Huntsville Times reported.
Christopher said the furniture inside fed the flames, causing smoke to billow out. He said that was a cause for worry because of the nearby Athens-Limestone Hospital.
“I was concerned about the smoke affecting the hospital and surrounding medical facilities,” he said. “There was a lot of intense smoke and heat.”
Christopher said no injuries were reported and the fire’s cause was being investigated.
—
Information from: The Huntsville Times, http://www.al.com/hsvtimes/hsv.html
August 28th, 2007
By: Furniture World Magazine
Broadspan Commerce, a online retailer of home furnishings, has named Tim Peck, a former BabyAge.com executive, as Director of Merchandising. He will be responsible for developing and executing Broadspan Commerce’s merchandising program, which will increase product and vendor selection at Broadspan’s online home furniture stores, including DirectlyHome.com.
Before taking up his post at the home furniture e-retailer, Tim Peck most recently served as Vice President of Merchandising at BabyAge.com, where he oversaw their increase of products and vendors. Peck also managed their direct-to-consumer e-mail program.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tim to our team,” said Brian Salau Beck, CEO of Broadspan Commerce. “Tim’s seven years of experience in the e-commerce field, combined with his business acumen, strong work ethic, and skill in working with furniture manufacturers makes him a key asset as we continue building our leadership in the online home furnishings retail sector.”
About Broadspan Commerce: Broadspan Commerce, LLC is a leader in online retailing of Products for Living™ — from beds and rugs to sofas, tables, and lamps — targeting consumers, businesses, interior designers, and other trade professionals. Since the company’s founding in 2003, Broadspan Commerce has delivered its products to tens of thousands of satisfied customers throughout the United States. Broadspan Commerce’s recipe for success is convenience, value, and fashion. The Company maintains a commitment to provide its customers with a convenient shopping experience, quick shipping, and industry-leading customer service. Broadspan Commerce is headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and maintains complete data and call center service facilities to support its customers.
For more information about Broadspan Commerce, visit the Company’s web sites at www.directlyhome.com, www.totalbedroom.com, and www.buying-bar-stools.com, e-mail info@broadspancommerce.com, or call 732-418-5300.
August 28th, 2007
By: Furniture World Magazine
The Merchandise Mart Design Center™ announced that they will be hosting Design Chicago, the second annual two-day market for interior design professionals in the Chicago-area. Design Chicago will present up-to-the-minute trends in interior design, featuring renowned keynote speakers, innovative seminars and presentations, and the showrooms’ latest collections. Attendees will also have a change to toast the “Ones to Watch”, three design firms selected by The Merchandise Mart Design Center showrooms as the up-and-coming designers setting new standards in the design world.
This year’s keynote speakers include industry icons Jamie Drake-NY-based designer and color fanatic, Celerie Kembel-retro-chic furniture designer, Lloyd Princeton-acclaimed money guru and Lisa Skolnick- contributing writer to Metropolitan Home. Special presentations will take place throughout both days in The Merchandise Mart Conference Center on the second floor of the building. In addition, several showrooms on floors 1, 6, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Design Center will also host special seminars with designers, showcase new products and serve fine food and beverages to guests.
Enter to win one of many one-of-a-kind ottomans covered in the latest fabrics from The Merchandise Mart Design Center showrooms. Ottomans will be on display in The Merchandise Mart lobby, showcasing luxury design and exquisite detail for all to see.
“Design Chicago: Future Fashions for Furniture, Fabric and More brings together such a talented group of design icons and industry leaders to offer interior design professionals a compelling, knowledgeable market. These two days provides informative, state-of-the-industry news, insight to the latest trends, and a first look at showrooms’ newest collections,” says John H. Brennen III, executive vice president, MMPI.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS:
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9
10:00 a.m. Jamie Drake: The New American Glamour
Merchandise Mart Conference Center, 2nd Floor
Presented by: Jamie Drake
With colors embracing the spectrum and design styles ranging as broadly, Jamie Drake examines the elements that connect all of his interiors: Luster, Texture, Color, Curve and Mix. Join the designer as he communicates his signature look that attracts his bold, confident, polished clientele. Jamie has created interiors for the likes of Madonna and Michael Bloomberg—among other elite clients around the world. He describes his design as “high style, with a bit of flash and a lot of glitter!
Join Jamie immediately after his presentation for a luncheon at the Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman showroom, suite 1870A, where he will sign his book THE NEW AMERICAN GLAMOUR.
5-7 P.M A Toast to the Ones To Watch
The Merchandise Mart , 1st Floor
Join your peers and Mart showroom friends to toast the designers who are on their way to stardom. Nominated and selected by Merchandise Mart showrooms, these rising stars are giving stellar service to their clients and establishing a reputation for success. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10
10–11 a.m. Celerie Kemble Revealed
Merchandise Mart Conference Center, 2nd Floor
Presented by: Celerie Kemble and Lisa Skolnik
Join Metropolitan Home’s Lisa Skolnik as she uncovers the inspiration, philosophy and life experiences that provide Celerie with her sophisticated design talent seen today. Hear how this design “icon”, as referred to by House & Garden magazine, has changed the course of direction for her latest projects, and where she sees style heading. Celerie also reveals what it’s like working with younger, affluent clientele and her beliefs behind a successful designer/client relationship.
Brunch reception immediately following at CAI Designs, Suite 1619.
3 p.m State of the Industry
Merchandise Mart Conference Center, 2nd Floor
Presented by: Lloyd Princeton
If you only have an hour to spend on education—this is it! Lloyd Princeton, renowned speaker and consultant for the design industry, updates you on the State Of The Industry. Discover a fresh perspective on the role of design professionals in the future, the influence of retail sales on consumer purchasing and ways to structure your business to stay abreast of changes in the Industry. Ask questions, hear actionable responses and learn how to make your career thrive!
RSVP for all keynote presentations, 312.527.4711.
Below is just a sample of showroom events. For a complete listing, visit www.merchandisemartdesigncenter.com.
SPECIAL SHOWROOM EVENTS:
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9
11 A.M.
Atelier Lapchi ∙ Suite 6-160
Couture Design with James Barra of Shelter Magazine
Atelier Lapchi invites you to a discussion with special guest James Barra, co-founder and creative director of Shelter magazine. Barra will share his compelling perspective on the international world of design. Through personal anecdotes, sociological theories, and luxurious imagery, Barra explains how to cultivate your international sensibilities to better understand the social behaviors and taste patterns that affect your own personal aesthetic. Atelier Lapchi is proud to present this incomparable event at its newly expanded showroom, and enjoy a tasting of international wines paired with light fare. R.S.V.P to Sasha Goldstein at 312.321.0090.
11 A.M.
JANUS et Cie ∙ Suite 1876
Bringing the Outside In
JANUS et Cie invites you to join designer Doug Nickless as he explores how to create glamour, luxury and style using exterior products in interior spaces. R.S.V.P to Amy Marek at 312.822.0560 or amarek@janusetcie.com
12 P.M.
Kravet ∙ Suite 6-128
Michael Berman for Kravet Collections
Join Kravet for a presentation with Michael Berman. This west coast designer, who combines chic modernism with a
classic vibe, will introduce his newly launched textile and carpet collections for Kravet.
12 P.M.
Modern at Design Atelier ∙ Suite 1848
Luncheon
Enjoy lunch with Helene Aumont, former French Givenchy fashion model, and presently a hot interior designer “tweaking” European antiques into mode confections. R.S.V.P. to Monica at 312.822.0440
12-2 P.M.
Odegard
An Afternoon with Paul Mathieu
Odegard invites you to join Paul Mathieu with L’Apertif to celebrate the designs Stephanie Odegard has created in collaboration with him. We will be sharing his favorite French wines and cheeses while Paul shares the stories behind the design inspiration for his furniture and lighting collection for Odegard.
1:30 P.M.
Robert Allen │Beacon Hill ∙ Suite 633
Inspiration and Expression
Join Larry Laslo, world-renowned interior and product designer, for a presentation that explores his creative philosophy and design process. This fascinating presentation is followed with wine and hors d’oeuvres. R.S.V.P to 312.644.5790 by October 7.
2 P.M.
F. Schumacher ∙ Suite 6133
Jamie Drake Presentation
Join Schumacher and Jamie Drake for a sweet dessert. Guests are eligible to partake in a raffle for a custom Jamie Drake Ottoman. R.S.V.P. to Steve Silveira at 312527.4659.
3– 3:30 P.M.
Gallerie One ∙ Suite 600
Contemporary Heirlooms
Gallerie One invites you to meet award-winning designer, Emma C. Gardner, who will introduce her newest rug designs and talk about how best to use floor covering to complement your interior projects. Refreshments served. R.S.V.P to Gallerie One at 312.222.1177
3– 5 P.M.
Ralph Lauren/ Henredon ∙ Suite 1865
The Ralph Lauren Showroom invites you to attend an evening with Chicago’s finest artists of contemporary art and photography. Please join them to meet the local artists represented by Flatfile Galleries and view their work. Curator and owner, Arinko will be present. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Todd Hase Furniture ∙ Suite 1622
New Fall Introductions
Enjoy a personal tour with Todd of the latest additions: a new quick-ship line of exclusive casegoods featuring polished marble tops with metal bases, as well as Todd Hase’s namesake Macassar Ebony. New porcelain and blown glass lamps in Neoclassical and Asian forms compliment the entire Collection.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10
11-2P.M.
de Aurora ∙ Suite 1871
Kitchen Trends
Interior design starts in the kitchen. Habersham Home displays the trends of not just the kitchen but the whole home. Meet Myron Fry, national kitchen rep for Habersham and Terrell Goeke of Terrell Goeke Design for a presentation of trends.
12 P.M.
Modern at Design Atelier ∙ Suite 1848
Visit Modern at Design Atelier for lunch with Hughes N’cho-Allépot, the uber-talented French-African designer making his Chicago debut with new designs.
12 P.M.
ICI ∙ Market Square Conference Center (leave where at on web, but add headshot and logo)
Waiting for whatever copy will go here.
1:30 P.M.
Baker Knapp & Tubbs ∙ Suite 6-187
Insight with Matt Lorenz
Join Matt Lorenz, winner of Bravo’s Top Design, as he shares his latest celebrity experience to starting his own Chicago-based design firm.
For a complete listing of DesignChicago events, visit www.merchandisemartdesigncenter.com/designchicago.
ABOUT THE DESIGN CENTER™: Located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, The Merchandise Mart is home to four floors constituting the world’s first and largest design center. As a leader in the $65-billion residential furnishings market, The Merchandise Mart Design Center™ offers the largest presentation of home furnishings worldwide, all under one roof. Encompassing 700,000 square feet, boasting 130 showrooms and featuring over 2000 product lines, the Design Center is the design professional’s ultimate resource for luxury furniture, fabrics, floor coverings, wall coverings, lighting, antiques, accessories and much more.
The Merchandise Mart Design Center’s Designer Portfolios are a unique online resource for homeowners to learn about working with a design professional and help them find the perfect designer to match their tastes, expectations and budget. More than 50 area design professionals are featured in the online Designer Portfolios, with his or her own web page featuring their design philosophy, area(s) of specialty, project photos, fee structure and more. Designer Portfolios can be easily accessed by visiting www.merchandisemartdesigncenter.com and clicking on the Designer Portfolio logo.
For more details, please visit www.merchandisemart.com or call 800.677.MART (6278).
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.
MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 W. Mart Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.
Vornado Realty Trust, owner of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.
August 28th, 2007
By: Furniture World Magazine
E:

For Immediate Release:
August 23, 2007
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dana Andrew Andrew Maiden
Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations Public Relations Manager
Dana.andrew@lasvegasmarket.com (702)599-3060 andrew.maiden@lasvegasmarket.com (702) 599-3062
World Market Center Welcomes Independent Specialty Stores
During Juvenile Expo Held in Las Vegas September 7 – 10
Retailers and Vendors Look Towards Growing Juvenile Category
(LAS VEGAS) –Aug. 23– World Market Center, the premier home furnishings showroom and trade complex, is welcoming the thousands of buyers and designers visiting Las Vegas for the juvenile expo being held September 7 – 10. Buildings A and B at World Market Center Las Vegas will feature many permanent tenants who serve the juvenile products industry.
More than 34 showrooms will be participating during the four-day event, providing World Market Center tenants and year-round showrooms with the ideal opportunity to market to these visiting buyers.
“The upcoming juvenile expo in Las Vegas provides a tremendous opportunity for our tenants to reach new buyers and serve existing accounts,” said Babs Blair, Vice President of Leasing for World Market Center. “Our city is very unique in that we have quite a few related events and conventions linked to the home furnishings industry occurring throughout the year.”
“Considering Las Vegas is the convention capital of the world, World Market Center will continue to explore numerous opportunities to cross-market with other synergistic trade shows within our city, giving our tenants the potential to increase their return on investment with their year round showrooms,” added Blair. “This event is a perfect option for World Market Center tenants to tap into this growing market segment.”
According to a recent report from Julie Smith, Editor of Furniture Style; today’s children and teens have a greater power over purchases, so it is understandable that more retailers and vendors are looking towards the growing juvenile category.
Youth furnishings, unlike regular home furnishings, are rapidly becoming very fashion forward and change very quickly. That is confirmed by Delia Glass, President of the San Carlos, California-based California Kids, who admits it’s like looking into a magic ball trying to anticipate what a 13-year old will like in the next 6 months.
“Right now, the trends to be looking for in juvenile furnishings include an increase in textured-type products and an increase in sustainable furnishings,” said Glass. “Today’s youth, thankfully, are very much in tune with Mother Earth, more so than previous generations.”
These styles have led to juvenile furniture and accessories being both a fast-growing area as well as a rapidly evolving category in home furnishings.
Tom Liddell, Sr. Vice President of National Sales for Powell Company is very optimistic the anticipated buyers and designers arriving for the Juvenile Expo will want to see his showroom.
“We saw one of the best turnouts for those interested in youth furnishings during World Market Center’s Summer Market. Many buyers were surprised by the new lines we introduced which included the Parisian, and Dollhouse Collection themed groups, and we anticipate similar success with the crowd of dedicated youth furniture retailers attending the Juvenile Expo,” said Liddell.
World Market Center showrooms participating include:
ACME Furniture (A-826)
Alligator Enterprise (A-930J)
American Lighting (A-314)
Bedroom Distrib. Inc., Donco Trading Co. (B-922)
California Kids (A-930)
Capel Rugs (A-226)
Creative Images (A930C)
Dalmarko Designs (A-214)
Decorative Details (B-280)
Feizy Rugs (B-165)
Furniture Basics, Inc. (A-930D)
Home Dynamix. LLC (B-460)
John Boyd Designs (A-954)
Khoury, Inc. (B-1049)
Kings Rattan Inc. (B-1006)
Legacy Classic Furniture (B-1301)
Levels of Discovery (A-930E)
Masterwork (B-660)
Maxcera Corp. (B-320)
New Classic (A-919)
Nfusion (A-109/110/114)
Night and Day Furniture (B-1018)
Oneworld (A-390)
Oshin Imports, Inc.
Philippe Langdon Furniture Inc. (B-226/230)
Powell Company (A-753)
RSM Furniture Resources (B-658)
Scandinavian Collection (B-158)
Somerset Studios (A-353)
Tradewins (B-901)
Trendwood Inc. (A-650)
Uni Designs (B-268)
Vermont Precision Woodworks (A-930G)
Willow Green (A-135)
Berg Furniture (A-930A)
Comfort Research (A-930F)
Mary Mayo Designs (A-930F)
Free shuttle service to World Market Center will be provided to buyers with two stops; the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Las Vegas Hilton. The service will be continuous and run each day, September 7 – 10, from 7:00a.m.to 12:00 noon.
The Winter 2008 Las Vegas Market is scheduled for January 28 to February 1, 2008 at World Market Center’s Buildings A, B and Pavilions and tradeshow at the MGM Grand Hotel.
About World Market Center: World Market Center is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and trade complex in Las Vegas. When fully built, at 12 million square feet in 8 buildings, World Market Center will be the largest trade show complex in the world. The $3 billion, state-of-the-art campus will showcase furniture, decorative accessories, lighting, area rugs, home textile and related segments, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC) open year-round to the trade. World Market Center produces the semi-annual Las Vegas Market, held every January and July, and is the fastest growing home furnishings trade show in the world. World Market Center is now leasing the third building to a broad cross-section of the home furnishings industry. For more information World Market Center, and to find out about leasing or exhibiting opportunities, visit the website at www.LasVegasMarket.Com or call 888-WMC-SHOW (962-7469).
August 28th, 2007
Marks the first time the company has partnered with an existing dealer to open a Summer Classics store
— Casual Living,
Garden furniture manufacturer Summer Classics has leased 25,000 square feet to open its newest showroom in Roswell, Ga. The new business will mark the first time Summer Classics has partnered with an existing dealer of its outdoor furnishings to open a Summer Classics store. The Roswell location will also be Summer Classics’ largest retail store. The target opening date is Oct. 1.
In addition, the Roswell location is the inaugural launch of the Summer Classics’ Master Store concept. This unique merchandising mix combines its entire outdoor furniture line, indoor home furnishings, French and Asian antiques, accessories and holiday décor — all under one roof.
The real estate was formerly occupied by a Seasonal Concepts retail store. Seasonal Concepts closed all of its retail locations in Atlanta in the last six months. “This is an exciting venture to partner with an existing dealer of our products,” said Evan Dorman, vice president of Summer Classics’ retail division. “With all the changes happening in the industry, we’re happy to partner with the right people in the right competitive markets.”
“Our company revolves around the principle that truly classic design, no matter how simple or elaborate, can and will be embraced for years,” said Bew White, president and founder of Summer Classics, which has been described as the Ralph Lauren of garden furniture. “We’re a market-driven company that stays in tune with want the customer wants. So, our look changes completely every four to six years. But, we always design for quality that considers durability rather than price points. The buying decision is really a lifestyle decision with our products. The Master Store concept is particularly interesting. With such a diverse merchandise mix, the customer will have reason to come back several times each year — instead of buying their outdoor furniture and not visiting the store again for several years. Atlanta presented us a unique opportunity that we couldn’t pass up.”
Summer Classics, formerly the Vista Corporation, was formed in 1978 as a manufacturer’s representative company offering lifestyle furniture to retailers across the United States. Today, Summer Classics is a design leader, offering a diverse product line of outdoor furniture including wrought iron, wrought aluminum, weather proof N-Dura wicker, cast aluminum, imported home furnishings and a broad line of accessories. The company sells to more than 400 dealers and operates/ licenses 11 Summer Classics retail stores. The company has sold private label products to Neiman Marcus, Horchow, Smith & Hawken, Great Indoors, Gardeners Eden and Frontgate. For more information, visit www.summerclassics.com.
August 28th, 2007
Industry vet Steve Morrison is national sales manager
— Casual Living,
DelTropico Designs will introduce a fresh look in contemporary and traditional outdoor wicker designs to the residential market, following a successful five years in contract business.
Its assortment of high design outdoor collections in an array of wicker colors and patterns with a strong customization program is manufactured by DelTropico, S.A., located in Honduras. The state-of-the-art factory was on the cutting edge in 1990, when it pioneered the 100% outdoor wicker category, offering the Weathercraft outdoor wicker brand through O’Asian Designs for four years, its distribution was taken over by a well-known U.S. brand in 1993.
The casual market has experienced this industry veteran’s design and finishing capacities in popular collections sold under other brand names throughout the years. Now DelTropico’s products will be exhibited at the Casual Furniture Market in Chicago, space 8-8050.
Steve Morrison is DelTropico Designs’ national sales manager. He brings 35 years of industry experience.
August 28th, 2007
Reve mocha finish debuted during premarkets
— Casual Living,
The new RÊVE outdoor mocha finish drew attention to New River’s showroom during Chicago’s Casual Furniture Pre-Market and the West Coast Casual Furniture Premarket, literally stopping people in their tracks, according to Michael Mettendorf, vice president of sales and marketing for New River.
“Frankly, everyone was blown away,” Mettendorf said. “Not only is this finish revolutionary in the U.S. market, it’s incredibly beautiful as well. We had to do very little selling … it really spoke for itself. Dealers who never considered us for more than a few rocking chairs are giving us multiple slots on their floor. This product will give us immediate importance and access to retailers who cater to upscale consumers.”
RÊVE finishes by New River provide weather protection in full sun exposure for New River’s Brazilian Cherry furniture. The custom-applied RÊVE finish adds another dimension, making the wood virtually impervious to any outdoor elements, including insects, parasites and extreme temperature changes. As an added bonus, the custom RÊVE finish produces a deep, rich, upscale look. It’s available in mocha, which resembles walnut, or honey. RÊVE is currently available on a broad selection in the 2008 furniture collection, including the new Charleston Deep Seating pieces as well as the Extension Table and Dining chairs.
After literally searching the world for the most durable, extreme outdoor protection, New River selected a time-tested product from Europe used for many years in protecting doors and windows from harsh winter and wet summer weather.
RÊVE, which means “dream” in French, is a finish that’s water-based, eco friendly, non-toxic, hydro-repellant, prevents checking, splitting and cracking and prevents the effects of humidity, rotting and pests. Although it’s not maintenance-free, it may be the best shield available for protecting outdoor wood.
“I just returned from a trip to Europe to learn more about how the finish is used,” Mettendorf said. “I was amazed at the durability and versatility it gives to wood used in a variety of outdoor settings. We are thrilled to be able to offer this finish exclusively to New River customers.”
August 28th, 2007