Atlanta to get Summer Classics’ first ‘Master Store’ showroom

Marks the first time the company has partnered with an existing dealer to open a Summer Classics store

-- Casual Living, 8/27/2007 6:42:00 AM

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.