Furniture Industry Ends Millennium Upbeat

Furniture World Magazine

Y2K may stand for "Yes 2 Thousands" of orders written and new business for the furniture industry following the latest in a string of successful furniture markets. That was the resounding response from participants in the fall edition of the 1999 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point. The industry achieved its eighth market in a row where retailer interest and especially sales increased. "The furniture industry definitely continued its roll of keen interest from retailers," said Mark Barford, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc. executive vice president. The High Point, N.C.-based trade association represents lumber producers, distributors and consumers in the 12-state Appalachian Mountain region surveys its furniture membership each market on their use of hardwoods and sales results. "The majority of our members report another great furniture market for wood and that should translate into continued demand for lumber supplies over the next three to six months," he said. It was estimated that more than 74,500 manufacturers, sales representatives, home furnishings buyers, interior designers, exhibitor support personnel, suppliers and news media attended market. Most major manufacturers reported increased attendance and solid sales that boost production for the next two quarters. "We had a very strong market and many of our new products will begin shipping in December and January," said Jay Moore, Bassett Furniture Industries director of corporate affairs. "We introduced an innovative line called E Plex of entertainment units that allow consumers to adapt them to their specific needs. "These are all wood and they were very well received," he said. Other introductions in wood included dining room collections which will be produced at a new plant in Henry County, VA, set to open in November. "We are looking for the next couple of months to be very strong and lead us into next year," Moore said. "That should be very encouraging for suppliers." Traffic was strong for Kincaid Furniture Co. during the first four days of market, reported President Steve Kincaid. He said existing customers and new visitors to their showroom appreciated Kincaid's emphasis on quality. Kincaid introduced an occasional table collection in cherry for its 35-year-old Cherry Mountain line and new pieces for the bedroom and dining room. "Market has been great for us," Kincaid said. The fall market was especially strong for high-end furniture manufacturers. Century Furniture Ind. introduced its 65-piece British Open Collection, which includes tables manufactured from maple solids and cherry veneers. The group strikes a balance between form and function, reported Bill Hayes, Century senior vice president. The group and more than 20 other introductions were ordered by retailers. Thomasville Furniture Ind. unveiled two major new collections and seven new case pieces at market. The collections, Bellesera and Summer White, are manufactured from oak and other hardwoods accented with metal, marble and upholstery. "Sales continue to set records every month," said Christian J. Pfaff, Thomasville president and chief executive officer. "Consumer interest in Thomasville products has never been higher and we are very optimistic about our business." TFI Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jim Adams said the past nine months have been strong. "We anticipate continued strength into the next quarter and first half of 2000. Everything really looks good right now." Broyhill Furniture Industries offered what company officials called "a bold design that looks to make a statement" with its Point Sur collection for market. Constructed from pecan and ash with marble and stone accents, the occasional table group offered attention to detail. A company spokesman said response to the group and other Broyhill introductions was very positive. Attendance at the Broyhill showroom increased again for the fourth consecutive market. Ash was the wood of choice for the Horizons Collection by Ethan Allen. The furniture manufacturer and retailer offered the bedroom and occasional table pieces in dark brown and satiny sand finishes. The response from retailers was positive. Stanley Furniture officials offered a major collection for market in ash. The Reflections group offered pieces for each room of the home constructed from ash solids and veneers. Award-winning Stanley Designer Gary Hokanson said the group combines a contemporary look with elegant hardware and a comfortable scale and function. The collection received excellent reviews and more importantly orders at market. Barford said oak, cherry, maple and ash were the dominant wood species again at furniture market. The Appalachian Mountain region continues to be the leading supplier of these species to the industry. "it was another terrific market for wood furniture and exciting to see the new designs and utilization of Appalachian species," he said. AHMI represents more than 200 producers and distributors of hardwood lumber from the eastern United States. To learn more about the association, wish its website at www.appalachianwood.org.