Michael Ashton Designs Debuting New Bedroom Line at April High Point Market

Furniture World News Desk on 4/11/2013

Michael Ashton Designs, a new source of imported solid-wood bedroom furniture, is making its debut at the April High Point Market in a permanent showroom in Furniture Plaza, Space 611.

The company will exhibit in a 9,000-square-foot showroom for the market, which takes place April 20 to 25.

“Our showroom is situated right off the escalator on the sixth floor,” said Mike Facchini, president. “We’re excited about our location. Plaza Suites is a great building with a strong mix of exhibitors.”

Based in Plymouth, Mass., Michael Ashton Designs is a new company making its first-ever market appearance. At the April market, the company will introduce 11 master bedrooms and four juvenile bedroom groups in styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. The products will be made at a group of five factories in Vietnam, with warehousing in Plymouth, High Point and Ontario, Calif. Much of the wood being used — cherry, oak, ash, poplar and pine — will be sourced from the United States and New Zealand.

“We’ll have nine of the master bedroom collections in our warehouses and ready to ship by the time market starts,” said Facchini, a veteran furniture executive formerly with Tradewins. “Retailers will be able to place orders at market and begin receiving product right away. We’ll have more than $2 million in inventory when we launch.”

Michael Ashton Designs plans to maintain U.S. stock on its entire line, including juvenile products, to service small and medium-sized retailers and provide backup stock for large container customers. It has a 20-person sales representative force in place to work with retailers nationwide.

“We’re offering a high-value product built with Old World techniques at very affordable price points,” said Facchini. Construction details include an 11-step finishing process, the use of Hangman anti-tipping mechanisms on case pieces, and LED directional lighting and USB ports incorporated into all nightstands.

“We’re putting a number of functional and safety extras into the product to make the value even stronger,” he said.

Initial designs being shown at market include a sophisticated British group; a warm, distressed pine set; a clean, Amish-inspired group; and a painted poplar style. Storage options, including storage beds, are available in all the collections. Price points range from $1,499 to $2,999 retail for a four-piece group.

“We’re excited that Michael Ashton Designs has chosen High Point as the platform for the launch of its new line,” said Julie Messner, vice president of leasing for International Market Centers. “The decision to debut in High Point provides another example of why the market is such an important destination for manufacturers and retailers worldwide.”

During the April market, Michael Ashton will give away entry tickets for a future raffle of a free Harley-Davidson motorcycle. All container customers are eligible. The prize will be awarded at the October High Point Market.

About International Market Centers: International Market Centers, L.P. (IMC) is the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries. IMC owns and operates 11.5 million square feet of world-class exhibition space in High Point, N.C. and Las Vegas. IMC buildings in High Point include International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC), Showplace, Showplace West, 200/320/330 N. Hamilton, Market Square & Suites, Market Square Tower, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza, National Furniture Mart, Hamilton Market and 300 S. Main Street.

IMC’s mission is to build and operate an innovative, sustainable, profitable and scalable platform for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries. For more information on IMC, visit imcenters.com.