Gary Evans — Furniture Today,
Offering custom goods from China
AT THE MARKET — Canadian furniture designer Normand
Couture is launching two collections of mid-priced contemporary upholstery here, promising to deliver custom-made products from China in about the same time many domestic manufacturers deliver.
Couture International, showing in the C&D Building, 8H and 8I, said its scheduled time from order to delivery at port is eight weeks, with the eventual goal of six weeks.
“We’re doing it and really breaking ground in that area,” said Steve Gordon, whose company, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.-based S.D.G & Associates, is the sales and distribution arm of the company.
The contemporary-style product will be distributed from warehouses in California, Florida, Montreal and a yet-to-be determined site in western Canada. Product will be available in container loads or in individual pieces. In-stock merchandise should ship in three to five days from receipt of order, the company says.
Gordon, who heads a sales group of 25 reps, didn’t know the number of fabrics available for custom order but said there will be “lots, both in fabric and leather and combinations.”
Couture is known for his playful, functional designs, including the Cameleon collection, with its group called Jelly Beans, for the Sofas International division of Shermag.
His introductions here include two collections, Sofa Function and Imagine, totaling 23 groups.
Gordon said last week that he didn’t have pricing for the new products, but said the offerings “are going to be high-end quality and looks at mid-range prices.” The line will be targeted to mid-to-better stores.
Sofa Function will feature interchangeable parts, allowing pieces to be reconfigured by moving arms and backs. A sofa, for instance, can become a chaise.
Imagine will include fabrics, leathers and combinations in contemporary styles from mid-century to current looks.
“Look for fresh looks, a color palette with the ‘wow’ factor,” Gordon said. “This line is going to be cutting-edge — but not over the edge.”
Couture has won design awards in Canada and the United States, and most recently introduced a line called The Not So Classic Collection for stationary upholstery producer Brentwood Classics.
Andre Lafleur, general manager for Couture International, said some dealers in Canada have already welcomed the container-direct program, which is rolling out in full at this market.
*For our latest news from the High Point Market visit our “Markets” news site under the “Industry News” link on our lefthand navigation bar. Click here to see more Market news.
